Uhrichsville man charged with 14th OVI offense after hit-skip crash in Dover Township

NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ A Uhrichsville man has been charged with his 14th OVI offense.

John F. Owens, 60, was involved in a hit-skip crash on June 24 on Ohio 39 near Interstate 77 in Dover Township, according to troopers with the New Philadelphia post of the Ohio Highway Patrol. Owens was operating a 2004 Chevrolet Blazer traveling east on Ohio 39 when he struck a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado in the rear. Owens then drove away from the scene.

Through an investigation, troopers located the Chevrolet Blazer and Owens at the registered owner's address. Owens refused all field sobriety tests, including a breath test, and was arrested for OVI.

This case will be reviewed by the Tuscarawas County Prosecutor's Office for additional charges of felony OVI, assured clear distance ahead, hit skip, driving under suspension and no operator's license. Owens has been convicted of two previous felony OVIs.

He could be sentenced to up to 36 months in prison if convicted.