SUV owner ID’d in fatal Clark County hit-and-run; driver not known yet

Investigators are still trying to identify the driver of a hit-and-run in Bethel Twp. that left one man dead earlier this month, troopers said Friday.

A report released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol showed investigators have identified the vehicle used in the crash. However, the driver of the vehicle hasn’t been identified, said Lt. Brian Aller, Springfield Post commander. It’s also not clear how many people were in the vehicle when the crash occurred, he said.

“We’re still collecting and analyzing data and when we find that out, that’s when the crash report will be changed and we’ll also be filing charges,” Aller said.

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The report shows a silver 2015 Dodge Durango owned by Eliot J. Baggs, of Springfield, was headed north on North Tecumseh Road just north of U.S. 40 in Bethel Twp. about 7:45 p.m. Sept. 6. Baggs declined to comment Friday afternoon.

The report says the vehicle hit Lawrence J. Mason, 45, of Medway, who was standing on the east shoulder of the road. The vehicle then fled the scene. Mason was taken by CareFlight to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, where he died.

Friends and family members held a vigil near the crash site near the crash site in his memory.

Troopers have collected evidence, including a passenger-side mirror from the vehicle, according to the report. The right front of the vehicle was damaged, according to the report.

Troopers are still reviewing evidence and tips, Aller said.

“This is a very active case and it’s not something that’s on the back-burner by any means,” he said.

One of the challenges is many of the tips troopers have received lack vital information, which has made the investigation more challenging, Aller said.

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