Charges Filed Against Rural Wauseon Man After Fatal Christmas Eve Crash
by David Pugh Buckeye Staff Writer

H. Edward Johnson, 90, rural Wauseon, one of the drivers involved in the Christmas Eve 2007 double-fatal crash, has been charged with two counts each of vehicular manslaughter and vehicular homicide.

The crash occurred at the intersection of St. Rt. 2 and Co. Rd. 19, north of Pettisville, about 9:35 pm.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol report on the crash said Johnson was driving a car south on Co. Rd 19, while David Mealer, 50, Wauseon, was driving sport utility vehicle with four passengers east on St. Rt. 2.

The OSHP report states Johnson ran the stop sign at St. Rt. 2, and collided with Mealer's SUV. The SUV rolled over onto the passenger side.

David Mealer and Hollis Richer, 17, Wauseon, died in the crash. Shelly Mealer, 47, David's wife, and Elliot Mealer, 18, their son, were treated and released at FCHC. Richer and Elliot Mealer were girlfriendboyfriend.

Brock Mealer, 22, another son, remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

Johnson was admitted to FCHC, then later released.

M-1, M-2

The Ohio State Highway Patrol, working with the Fulton County Prosecuting Attorney office filed charges against Johnson Thursday, Jan. 3 in Fulton County Western District Court.

Roger Nagel, Fulton County prosecuting attorney, said there are two counts of vehicular manslaughter, plus two counts of vehicular homicide, for Richer and David Mealer, for a total of four counts.

Nagel said the vehicular manslaughter charge results if a person dies as a result of the offender committing a traffic violation.

The vehicular homicide charge results if the offender causes the death of another.

Vehicular homicide is a firstdegree misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail, and a $1,000 fine. Vehicular manslaughter is a seconddegree misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.

Johnson is free on his own recognizance. His next court date is set for Tuesday, Jan. 15, when he will be given his initial appearance.

Investigation

Robin Schmutz, lieutenant of the Toledo OSHP post, said troopers have wrapped up the main part of their investigation, but they are still "tying up loose ends."

She said a certified test of the Johnson vehicle's brakes was being conducted, to determine if there was any problem with the brake system.

The post's crash reconstruction specialist was studying the mishap, to determine the speeds the vehicles were traveling before impact.

"Any time we have a crash this severe, we have our reconstructionist go through it," she said.

"We want to make sure we have all of our bases covered."