AKRON, Ohio — The driver of the vehicle involved in the wrong-way crash that killed a 27-year-old man who was on his way home from work in October was arraigned Friday morning.
Larry Miller, 63, surrendered to investigators around 8 a.m. and was charged in connection to the crash that resulted in the death of Clintin Churby.
Miller's bond was set at $25,000 and his release carries maximum pretrial supervision. He will only be allowed to go to medical appointments and work.
Miller was driving a pickup truck when he entered Interstate 76 heading in the wrong direction—eastbound in the westbound lanes—and struck Churby near the top of the Central Interchange, according to Akron Police. Churby was pronounced dead at the scene.
Early into the investigation police said it appeared that alcohol may have played a factor in the fatal wrong-way crash.
Lt. Michael Miller, Akron Police Public Information Officer, told News 5 investigators confirmed Miller was intoxicated at the time of the crash.
“He made a very poor decision, like most people who drink and drive do, entered the highway going the wrong direction," Lt. Miller said.
“He was notified by our traffic investigators, he surrendered to them and he was formally charged this morning."
“This is his third offense in 20-years, so certainly one time, two times, and here we are with a third, with a very tragic outcome.”
Lt. Miller said this terrible situation is another sad reminder to all drivers to never drive impaired.
“Turn over the keys, allow someone else to drive, Uber, cab, or a list of other transportation alternatives,” Lt. Miller said.
“With the holidays as you pointed-out, never a more valuable time to remind the public to please be wide, please use your best judgment, obviously with the pandemic, you could certainly drink at home.”
According to Churby's mother, Sandi, he had just finished a half-day at work at Summit Racing in anticipation of a promotion and transfer to a facility in Texas. The day of the crash was his last day at Summit.
Miller was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving the wrong way, and traffic control device.
He will appear in court on Friday.
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