Driver sentenced to prison for crash in Dundee that claimed passenger's life

MONROE — An Ohio man has been sentenced to at least 17 years in prison for leading police on a lengthy pursuit that ended with a fiery crash in downtown Dundee that claimed his passenger's life.

Kim Lynn Fitch Jr. 32, of Napoleon, Ohio, had fled a traffic stop in Washington Township, Ohio, on Jan. 6, 2023, and had traveled through Monroe County into Dundee when he lost control of the 2007 Ford Fusion he was driving as he approached the intersection of West Monroe Street and Tecumseh Street. The car struck a utility pole near Uncle Lyle’s tavern and caught fire, resulting in the death of the passenger, Lesley Rosales, 46, of Leipsic, Ohio.

Monroe County sheriff’s deputies forced their way into the vehicle to extract both Fitch and Rosales, who was in the front passenger seat.

"Fitch led police on a dangerous chase at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour, travelling into on-coming traffic on flat tires from stop-sticks thrown down on three different occasions during the pursuit," Monroe County Prosecutor Jeffrey Yorkey said in a news release.

Law enforcement officers from the Michigan State Police, city of Monroe, Toledo, Dundee and led by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office investigated the matter, the release said.

Fitch was convicted by a Monroe County Circuit Court jury on May 24 of involuntary manslaughter, first-degree fleeing police and reckless driving causing death. He represented himself during the trial, with attorney Ben Gonek of Southgate assisting as stand-by counsel.

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On Thursday, Circuit Judge William Paul Nichols sentenced Fitch as a fourth felony habitual offender to 17 to 30 years on the first-degree fleeing police charge and 13 to 30 years concurrently for involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving causing death before. Nichols followed the recommendation of the probation department in fashioning his sentence, the release said.

The victim’s mother and and two sons addressed the court during the sentencing, the release said. Rosales' mother requested the longest sentence possible, expressing her frustration and devastation with Fitch's actions. Rosales' sons requested the shortest sentence possible, saying that it was not Fitch’s intention to kill her.

Chief Assistant Prosecutor Jahn Landis and Senior Trial Attorney Kenneth Laurain prosecuted the case. Yorkey said he commends the efforts of his staff for their work on the case and also the "impressive efforts of law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect the community."