A West Portsmouth man with a long history of traffic and OVI-related cases has now been indicted in connection with a fatal motorcycle crash.
The Scioto County Grand Jury indicted Robert D. Riffe II, 65, of West Portsmouth, on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular homicide.
The charges stem from a June 21 crash on Dry Run Road in Washington Township.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Riffe was driving a 2004 GMC Sierra southeast on Dry Run Road when the truck traveled left of center and struck a 2005 Yamaha V-Star motorcycle head-on.
The motorcycle was driven by Jeffrey A. Hammonds, 50, of West Portsmouth.
Hammonds died from his injuries at the scene.
Riffe was transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.
The indictment alleges Riffe recklessly caused Hammonds’ death while operating a motor vehicle. Prosecutors also allege Riffe was driving under suspension or did not have a valid license at the time and was not eligible for renewal without examination.
A second count alleges vehicular homicide, accusing Riffe of negligently causing Hammonds’ death while driving.
A warrant was issued for Riffe’s arrest on the indictment. He is scheduled for arraignment in Scioto County Common Pleas Court before Judge Mark Kuhn on Sept. 16.
Court records also show Riffe was charged earlier this year with felony OVI/ALS/refusal. In that case, Portsmouth Municipal Court records say the charge was a felony and the matter was bound over for possible indictment by the Scioto County Grand Jury.
Riffe’s prior court history also includes multiple traffic convictions, including OVI, driving under suspension, and financial responsibility suspension cases.
The new indictment turns a deadly head-on crash into a major felony case.
A man on a motorcycle lost his life.
Now prosecutors say the driver who crossed the center line should answer for it in court.
The charges are allegations. Riffe is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.