James E. White, 30, of 323 Plumvalley St., was charged Monday with obstructing official business and issued traffic citations for reckless operation, leaving the scene of a crash, no operator’s license, driving under suspension and failure to control.
According to officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department, White was observed around 9 p.m. on a security camera driving at a high rate of speed in the 600 block of Plumvalley Street, careened left of center and off the road into a mailbox, fire hydrant and utility pole.
He then fled northbound on foot.
His wife, Christina M. White, responded to the scene and first claimed she was driving. She admitted to the lie after officers told her they had video proof a man was driving and fled on foot.
She told officers it was her husband and she didn’t want him to get in trouble. She reached the suspect on her cellular phone and he soon came to the scene.
He was issued a summons and traffic citations and allowed to return home with his wife.
The car was heavily damaged in the crash and towed from the scene.
Personnel with the Bellefontaine Fire and EMS Department and Water Department responded to the scene to address an excessive water leak at the fire hydrant.
Warrant served
John M. Messer Jr., 23, of 416 E. Sandusky Ave., was served Tuesday with a warrant for failure to appear.