Dayton man indicted for I-675 crash that killed newborn

GREENE COUNTY — A Dayton man has been indicted in connection to a fatal crash that killed a newborn and injured six others in Sugarcreek Township.

On January 28, 2022, the Greene County Grand Jury returned an 18-count Indictment against Samuel V. Lawson, 31, according to a release from Greene County Prosecutor David D. Hayes.

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The Indictment alleges that Lawson caused the three-vehicle crash on May 23, 2021, in an active construction zone located on northbound Interstate-675.

Lawson allegedly drove his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. It is further alleged that Lawson’s blood contained over four-times the legally-permitted amount of alcohol, the release said.

The crash happened when Lawson attempted to merge from the far-right lane to avoid an upcoming lane closure. Lawson’s vehicle struck the back of a minivan, which had come to a complete stop to match the flow of traffic.

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A third vehicle was then struck by the minivan. At the time of the crash, the posted speed limit was 50 MPH. According to the release, Lawson was allegedly traveling roughly 100 MPH at the time of the crash.

The crash resulted in the death of a one-month-old baby and serious physical harm to six other victims, including a 10-year-old child, the release said.

Lawson was indicted on 3 counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, 4 counts of aggravated vehicular assault, 8 counts of vehicular assault, 2 counts of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, a drug of abuse, or a combination of them and 1 count of willful or wanton operation on street or highway

Lawson was arrested on February 1, 2022, and remains incarcerated in the Greene County Jail.

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