CHILLICOTHE, OH — A motorcycle crash on the evening of August 25, 2024, resulted in significant injuries and the arrest of the rider on suspicion of driving under the influence.
At 11:51 p.m., emergency responders were dispatched to the intersection of Limestone Boulevard and Western Avenue following reports of a motorcycle crash. Officer Justin Tuttle arrived at the scene and found Aaron R. Laplante pushing a damaged motorcycle westbound on Western Avenue.
Upon contacting Laplante, Officer Tuttle detected the strong odor of alcohol and observed that Laplante’s eyes were red, bloodshot, and glassy. Laplante stated he had been returning from Jerry’s, a nearby establishment on Western Avenue.
Witness reported seeing Laplante pass his vehicle in the left lane while traveling northbound on Limestone Boulevard before crashing into the yard of 12 Limestone Boulevard. Witness provided a witness statement at the scene before leaving.
Based on the observations, Officer Tuttle administered a series of field sobriety tests on Laplante. The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test revealed signs of impairment, including a lack of smooth pursuit and distinct nystagmus. The Walk and Turn test showed Laplante’s difficulty in maintaining balance and following instructions. The One Leg Stand test also indicated impairment, as Laplante swayed, used his arms for balance, and could not follow instructions correctly.
Consequently, Laplante was arrested for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) and advised of his Miranda rights. The motorcycle was towed by Eithels Towing, and Laplante was transported to the Ohio Highway Patrol Post 71 for a breathalyzer test. Laplante’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured at 0.158%, well above the legal limit.
Laplant’s driving record revealed no previous OVI offenses. His license was suspended for 90 days under an Administrative License Suspension (ALS). Initially taken to the Ross County Jail, Laplante was redirected to Adena Regional Medical Center (ARMC) after jail staff refused to accept him due to the severity of his injuries. ARMC staff admitted Laplante for treatment.
Laplant received citations for OVI, Failure to Control, and No Motorcycle Endorsement. He was issued a court date for August 29, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. and left in the care of ARMC. The incident remains under investigation as authorities continue to process the case.
