CIRCLEVILLE, OH – A 34-year-old Maryland man is facing significant prison time after pleading guilty to multiple charges stemming from a serious crash that injured three people last summer on U.S. Route 23.
On August 8, 2024, Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper reported arriving at the scene of a four-vehicle crash at the intersection of US-23 and SR-316. The crash was caused by Romeo J. Domingo Teves, who was behind the wheel of a 2023 Hyundai SUV when he slammed into a line of stopped vehicles.
Investigators at the scene immediately noticed the odor of marijuana coming from Teves’ vehicle. A subsequent inventory search of the SUV uncovered a marijuana grinder, a small quantity of marijuana, and remnants of burnt marijuana — suggesting Teves had been smoking behind the wheel shortly before the collision.
Teves was transported to a nearby hospital due to injuries sustained in the crash and was unable to provide a statement at the scene. Meanwhile, two other drivers suffered serious injuries, including broken bones, and a third individual sustained moderate injuries as a result of the impact.
After the investigation, Law enforcement found that Teves had posted a video of him smoking weed just 6 minutes before the serious crash.
This week, Teves appeared in court and pleaded guilty to two counts of Felonious Assault and three counts of Vehicular Assault. A Pre-Sentence Investigation (PSI) has been ordered to determine an appropriate penalty. Sentencing is expected in the near future.
The case highlights the severe consequences of impaired driving and reinforces law enforcement’s continued commitment to keeping Ohio’s roads safe.
