[Watch LawNewz Network coverage of the trial in the player above, with in-studio analysis. For a direct feed of this trial, see the player at the bottom of this article]
The trial of Joshua Gaspar continues on Wednesday in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Gaspar is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide for allegedly striking and killing Ohio State Trooper Kenneth Velez on September 15, 2016, while driving under the influence. Testimony is expected to resume at 9:00 am ET. Watch live in the player above.
Gaspar is not accused of being drunk, rather the DUI charge stems from him having methadone in his system due to treatment he had just minutes for the accident. Watch live in the player above. Gaspar is facing special upgraded charges due to the alleged homicide of an officer.
In addition to charges related to driving under the influence (which includes one count of aggravated vehicular homicide), Gaspar is also facing additional homicide charges for allegedly driving recklessly. Immediately prior to the accident, Gaspar was allegedly driving 78 mph on a road with a speed limit of 60 mph, and he had to swerve when the car in front of him stopped short. Gaspar is also charged with driving with a suspended license.
On Wednesday, Sgt. Robert Gable testified about what he saw the day of the crash. Gable had been working at the station house when he heard a report of what happened and he responded to the scene. He saw the destruction of the crash and eventually was able to talk to Gaspar. Gable said that before speaking to him, Gable heard that Gaspar might have been “on something.” Gable testified that Gaspar seemed confused and agitated during their conversation, that he spoke slowly with a raspy voice, and that his pupils appeared constricted, a sign of impairment.
Gaspar agreed to take a field sobriety test, but was up front about being on methadone for treatment. The court watched video of the test, with Gable explaining what Gaspar got right, and in which ways he failed. While trying a straight line, Gaspar failed to walk heel to toe, and veered out of the straight line. During the finger-to-nose test, Gaspar was ultimately able to perform the task, but didn’t properly follow instructions at first. Gable said Gaspar also appeared to be shaking during the test.
Stay with LawNewz.com and the LawNewz Network for continuing coverage of the trial.
[Image via Cleveland City Jail]
