MOUNT VERNON — A Mount Vernon man was charged with three traffic violations after a minor crash on Wooster Road, Tuesday morning. Jeffrey Whyte, 50, Mount Vernon, was charged with assured clear distance ahead, leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence.
Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Mat Whims said Whyte tested 0.298, more than three times over the limit for driving while intoxicated. The incident started on Wooster Road when Carolyn Cockrell, 46, Loudonville, slowed to make a turn on Sychar Road.
Whyte ran into the rear of her car with his pickup. Initially he stopped, but then left the scene. Cockrell, who had a minor back injury from the crash, followed and called the 9-1-1 dispatcher to report the crash. Trooper Whims was called as Cockrell followed Whyte into Mount Vernon.
Then communication was temporally lost but established again by Cockrell at Whyte’s home on West Vine Street. Mount Vernon police responded and tried to have Whyte come from his upstairs apartment. He refused and Whims obtained a warrant for his arrest.
Mount Vernon police entered the apartment and arrested him without resistance.
