Suspect in fatal hit-run of cyclist pleads innocent

10/24/2003

A West Toledo man accused of driving a vehicle that struck and killed a bicyclist and then drove away was arraigned yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Jason P. Opaczewski, 21, of 1910 Harlan Rd., pleaded not guilty to one count each of aggravated vehicular homicide, failing to stop after an injury accident, and tampering with evidence.

Thomas B. Connors, 22, of West Toledo, was killed Oct. 3 when the bicycle he was riding was hit from behind in the 5500 block of Dorr Street. The driver fled the scene.

Mr. Opaczewski, who is being held in the Lucas County jail, was convicted last year in Sylvania Municipal Court of driving while intoxicated and was convicted earlier this year of driving without a license.

Judge Charles Wittenberg scheduled a pretrial hearing for Nov. 13, and set bond at $25,000.