DDN – Police have arrested a 37-year-old Marion man in connection with a fatal motorcycle accident on West Union Street in November. Justin S. Krocke turned himself into Newark police on Thursday, escorted by his attorney.
Krocke is facing many counts, including second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, drug-impaired driving, reckless driving, and traffic infractions. Investigators believe Krocke was under the influence of narcotics when he drove his motorcycle onto the sidewalk to avoid cars halted for a turning vehicle.
As he attempted to return to the road, he lost control of his motorcycle and threw his passenger, 36-year-old Kelley Smith-Krocke, against a curb on the opposite side of the street. Smith-Krocke suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at Newark Wayne Hospital.
The accident occurred on November 7 at around 4:44 p.m. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, where a member of the Newark Volunteer Fire Department was already conducting CPR on Smith-Krocke. The Wayne County Crash Team assisted with the investigation by reconstructing the incident.
Krocke, who had non-life-threatening injuries, was first admitted to Strong Memorial Hospital. Police believe that his activities that day were solely responsible for the unfortunate event.
Chief Rich Martin of the Newark Police Department acknowledged the charges and stressed the department’s determination to take individuals responsible for reckless and impaired driving accountable. The investigation revealed that Krocke’s conduct, including driving while drunk, resulted in a tragic loss of life.
Reference: Marion man charged in fatal motorcycle crash on West Union Street
Leave a Reply