Toledoan, 36, guilty in fatal traffic crash

1/17/2007

A Toledo man entered into a plea agreement yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for the traffic death of a 23-year-old man in September on the city's east side.

Robbie Chasteen, 36, of 5460 Clover Lane, pleaded no contest to vehicular homicide. The plea was accepted by Judge Ruth Ann Franks, who found Chasteen guilty.

Calvin Johnson, of 618 Leach St., was killed Sept. 20 as he tried to cling to the defendant's pickup truck as he was fleeing from an aborted drug deal in front of the Weiler Homes, near Butler and Earl streets.

The victim was thrown to the street when Chasteen failed to stop at an intersection and collided with a sport utility vehicle. Mr. Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chasteen, who was indicted for aggravated vehicular homicide, faces up to 18 months in prison when he is sentenced Feb. 1 by Judge Franks.

Robert Clark, an assistant county prosecutor, said the plea deal struck with the defendant was made with the approval of the victim's family and investigating police officers.

Mr. Clark said Chasteen drove away in fear after he questioned whether he was buying fake crack cocaine from the victim.