COLUMBUS, Ohio — A firefighter involved in a deadly three-vehicle crash on Interstate 270 in July is now facing a charge, according to Franklin County Municipal Court records obtained by 10TV's Lacey Crisp.
Columbus firefighter 25-year-old Tyler Conners is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, a first-degree misdemeanor. He has been placed on administrative duty pending the conclusion of the case, according to the Columbus Division of Fire.
The crash occurred on the evening of July 23 on I-270 northbound near Hamilton Road. One of the vehicles involved crashed into the back of the fire engine.
The driver of that vehicle, Timothy Wiggins, of Delaware, was pronounced dead at the scene, Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Jeffery Geitter confirmed after the incident. The passenger was taken to Mount Carmel East to be treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
According to court documents, Conners negligently caused the death of another while operating a motor vehicle in a negligent manner.
The Columbus Division of Fire’s full statement is included below:
"Our hearts are with the family of Timothy Wiggins and everyone impacted by this tragic accident.
Firefighter Conners has been placed on administrative duty pending the conclusion of this criminal case. At that point, an administrative investigation will determine whether any division policies were violated.
We ask for your patience as the facts are determined. The core mission of the Columbus Division of Fire is, and always will be, protecting and saving lives."
Conners is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.
The firm representing Conners released a statement saying that they intend to file a not guilty plea during the arraignment. The firm also said that the plea would allow them to file for discovery to receive and evaluate any evidence that the city has in its possession.