Allen County man charged in fatal crash

1/9/2003

LIMA, Ohio - William Tucker, 42, of Allen County's Shawnee Township, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter, a second-degree misdemeanor, in the death Saturday of Harry Burtchin, 77, also of the township.

The car Mr. Burtchin was driving and Mr. Tucker's oncoming car collided Jan. 2 on Fort Amanda Road during heavy snow, Officer Larry Curl of the township police department said.

Mr. Burtchin and a passenger, who was injured, had just taken part in a graveside service put on by fellow military veterans.

If convicted, Mr. Tucker could lose his driver's license for two years, spend 90 days in jail, and pay a $750 fine. He also was charged with not maintaining reasonable control, a minor misdemeanor.

He is scheduled for arraignment in Lima Municipal Court tomorrow.