LAKEWOOD, Ohio — At approximately 1:34 a.m. on the morning of April 23, Lakewood Police Department responded to a traffic accident involving two vehicles at the intersection of Cove Avenue and Clifton Boulevard.
Officers said a 2021 Mitsubishi Lancer was traveling southbound on Cove Avenue when they stopped at the flashing red light at Clifton Avenue. As the vehicle attempted to cross over Clifton Boulevard, a 2019 Kia Sportage heading eastbound struck the Mitsubishi causing them to strike multiple parked vehicles. Both vehicles came to rest on the north side of Clifton Boulevard.
The driver of the Mitsubishi was identified as Josephine Sever, 55, of Lakewood. She was transported to MetroHealth by Lakewood Paramedics where she was pronounced dead a short time after.
On Monday, the Lakewood Police Department confirmed that charges were filed in the Lakewood Municipal Court against Franklin T, Kutz, the driver of the Kia.
Kutz, a 36-year-old Westlake resident, is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and operating a vehicle while under the influence.
In Ohio, a vehicular homicide charge is a second-degree felony and is punishable for up to eight years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
According to the Lakewood Police Department, Kutz posted his $50,000 bond and is not in the custody of the police.
At this time, a date has not been set for the arraignment at Lakewood Municipal Court.
The driver of the Kia was transported to Fairview Hospital.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this incident.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol and Lakewood Police Department have confirmed that an investigation of this fatal accident is ongoing.
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