Semi driver accused of being intoxicated on drugs in deadly I-70 crash is out of jail on bond

WAYNE COUNTY, Indiana — The Camden man deputies said was driving a semitrailer that rear-ended a car, killing four children and critically wounding the car’s driver, was under the influence of marijuana, amphetamines and ecstasy, according to Wayne County court records.

>> 2 teens, 2 children killed in fiery crash on I-70 in Wayne Co., Indiana; Preble Co. man arrested

Corey Withrow, 31, faces four counts of reckless homicide, four counts of causing a death when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and a single count of causing a catastrophic injury when operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. He’s out of jail after posting a $35,000 bond, records show.

Withrow is accused of driving approximately 72 mph in a 55-mph construction zone on I-70 west of Richmond when he rear-ended a car just outside the construction zone last week. The car burst into flames.

Witnesses told investigators it did not appear Withrow slowed down at all, court records read.

Killed were Anesa Noel Acosta, 15; Quintin Michael McGowan, 13; Brekkin Riley Bruce, 8; and Trentin Beau Bruce, 6, Indiana State Police said. The car’s driver, Aaron Bruce, was flown to Eskenazi Hospital in Indianapolis.

Investigators said Aaron Bruce suffered severe internal injuries and had third-degree burns to over half of his body. Aaron Bruce remains in critical condition.

When officers arrived on scene, the car was engulfed in flames and rescue crews were unable to get to the four children. Aaron Bruce was found in a nearby ditch.

Officers found Withrow outside the cab of his semi “staggering around and off balance.” They said his speech was slow and slurred, according to court records.

State police said Withrow was driving for Barnets Inc, a company based out of Camden in Preble County.

“Because of the investigation I can’t really say anything. And we’re just sorry about what happened and I just don’t have a comment right now ... and condolences to the family,” a woman who answered Barnets Inc.‘s phone Monday said.

Barnets Inc. has a federal safety score of 84, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. That number is placed on a scale of 1 to 100, with 1 being the best possible rating. If a company reaches 100, federal officials put an out-of-service order on the company, which means the company is shut down immediately until a resolution agreement is made with the federal government.

Barnets Inc. drivers have been involved in at least six crashes since Aug. 2018, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, however the deadly crash from last week is not logged yet. Four people were injured in the previous crashes.

There are 39 drivers for the company, according to its profile.

Cox Media Group