TEENAGER FLEEING IN STOLEN CAR FROM MICHIGAN INDICTED FOR AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR HOMICIDE IN CRASH THAT KILLED PEDESTRIAN

Posted on 9/12/2019

Defendant: Ramadhan H. Muridi

Prosecutor Ron O’Brien said, “The tragic death of this pedestrian was the result of this teenager’s excessive speed and reckless driving.”  Prosecutor Ron O’Brien announced today that the Franklin County Grand Jury has returned an indictment against Ramadhan H. Muridi, age 16, in connection to the February 26, 2019 crash that occurred on S. Hamilton Road on the east side of town, where Muridi hit a pedestrian crossing the street.  Muridi has been indicted for one count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, one count of Failure to Stop After an Accident, two counts of Failure to Comply with an Order or Signal of a Police Officer, and two counts of Receiving Stolen Property, for a total of six counts.  It is alleged that Muridi was recklessly driving a Chevrolet Cruz stolen from Lansing, Michigan at a high rate of speed when officers attempted to make a traffic stop.  The vehicle failed to stop even after spike strips were deployed and continued travelling recklessly, subsequently striking the pedestrian and then crashing a short distance away.  Muridi, who was the driver, and four other juveniles ranging in ages from 12-15 all jumped out of the car and fled on foot but were apprehended shortly thereafter.  Three months after the accident, the pedestrian, Arthur L. Smith III, age 61, died from his injuries sustained in the crash.  Arraignment for Muridi is scheduled for 1:30 pm on September 13^th, 2019 in courtroom 2B at 345 S. High Street.