Man charged in Eastlake fatal crash

A man has been charged in the June 5 crash in Eastlake that claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl.

Eric Dean Jones, 26, of Akron has been charged with one count of first degree felony aggravated vehicular homicide, one misdemeanor count of OVI and one misdemeanor count of failure to control.

At 1:45 p.m. June 5, Eastlake Police responded to the scene of the crash on Vine Street near East 337th Street. A truck swerved off the road and struck a pedestrian, Police Chief Larry Reik said.

The teen, identified Tuesday night as Maddisan Chase, was transported to Lake Health’s West Medical Center in Willoughby. She was pronounced dead at the hospital, police said.

Police said Jones drove off the right side of the road and struck the female with the work truck. The vehicle then continued and crashed into a pole at the southwest corner of the intersection.

Jones did not need medical attention and was held for investigation. Jones appeared June 6 in Willoughby Municipal Court through video arraignment. He entered a not guilty plea.

Jones’ bond was set at $500,000, and he was transported to the Lake County Jail. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for June 12 in Willoughby Municipal Court.

Maddisan was a student at North High School. The school had administrators and counselors at the school Wednesday morning for students and families who needed support.