OHP searching for driver who turned left in front of motorist in fatal U-turn attempt

The Ohio Patrol is searching for a truck driver who fled the scene after turning left in front of a motorist on the highway, causing a fatal crash. 

The accident happened back on October 24th at about 11:40 a.m. on Interstate 77 near Franklin Township, Ohio. 

According to Times Reporter, the truck driver was in the right lane of northbound I-77when they turned left to use a crossover lane. The tractor trailer was then struck by an oncoming car traveling in the right lane of I-77 northbound. 

The truck driver then reportedly pulled over onto the side of the road for several minutes before completing the u-turn and heading south on I-77, leaving the scene of the crash. 

The motorist, 78-year-old Dennis L. Alsept, was then transported to a hospital, where he died a week later on October 31st. 

Police say that they believe the commercial vehicle involved in the incident was a red tractor trailer with a sleeper cab pulling a flatbed trailer. Officers have identified the suspected rig using traffic cameras. 

“We’re pretty heavily into this investigation,” said Sgt. William Bower of the OHP New Philadelphia post.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact the Highway Patrol at 330-339-1104.