COLUMBUS, OH — A 29-year-old woman has been indicted in connection with a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 70 that left multiple juveniles seriously injured, Columbus police announced.
A Franklin County grand jury returned the indictment against Shamiyah Abbington on Sept. 9, approximately five months after the April 5 collision.
Three vehicles crashed on Interstate 70
Officers responded at approximately 7:35 p.m. to Interstate 70 West near East Livingston Avenue.
Multiple children suffered serious injuries and were transported to a Columbus-area hospital, according to the Columbus Division of Police.
Police did not release the juveniles’ ages, identify the other drivers or provide an update on the victims’ conditions.
Grand jury returns four charges
Abbington was indicted on charges of aggravated vehicular assault, vehicular assault, operating a vehicle under the influence and endangering children.
Under Ohio’s vehicular assault law, aggravated vehicular assault generally involves causing serious physical harm while committing an impaired-driving offense. The charge is ordinarily a third-degree felony, although prior convictions and other circumstances can increase its severity.
The specific counts and penalty levels contained in Abbington’s indictment were not immediately released.
An indictment is a formal accusation and does not establish guilt. Abbington is presumed innocent unless convicted in court.
The case is part of Shore News Network’s continuing coverage of Ohio and traffic accidents.