By James Massara
CCN News Director
BUCYRUS — The Bucyrus Police Department recently released additional information on a crash that caused damage to the Friendship Bridge in Bucyrus.
According to a report released by the Bucyrus Police Department:
Officers responded to a report of a vehicle stuck on the Friendship Bridge at Aumiller Park.
A 16-year-old driver crashed a 2007 Pontiac onto the south side approach to the footbridge over the Sandusky River. The driver was northbound on Treatment Plant Drive reportedly seeking an adrenaline rush, accelerated rapidly and was unaware of surroundings and had to swerve and brake suddenly due to the end of the road, and lost control trying to avoid large stones limited vehicle traffic around the bridge.
The driver was uninjured, retrieved by a parent and will be charged in juvenile court with willful and wanton disregard for safety, failure to control, curfew and possibly criminal damaging.
The vehicle was towed from the scene.
Bucyrus Mayor Jeff Reser said the incident should not alter the plans for renovations to the bridge with the use of a $300,000 grant.
Reser said the driver’s insurance should cover the cost to put the bridge back to its original state.
“Some of the things damaged may have been things that were going to be renovated anyway, but it’s too early to know any specifics,” Reser said.
Reser said the city’s legal department will have to work with the driver’s insurance company before any further details will be known.
“Those discussions need to be had and the damage needs to be inspected further,” Reser said. “This is a top priority, though, because not only is the bridge a symbol of pride in the community, but it is used quite a lot.”
Reser said his hopes are that the legal process moving forward continues smoothly.