Driver in hit-skip accident waives right to timely pre-trial

By Carol McIntire

Editor

The East Canton man charged in connection with a hit-skip accident July 21 on Bacon Rd. waived his right to a hearing that would have included details of the accident.

Andrew Cartwright, 28, of East Canton, appeared July 31 before Municipal Court Judge Gary L. Willen to face charges of Aggravated Vehicular Assault and Failure to Stop After an Accident.

Through his attorney, Herbert Morello, appointed by Willen because of a conflict with the public defender’s office, Cartwright signed a time waiver, foregoing the hearing. Deputy Erik Leicht, who investigated the accident and was present in the courtroom, did not testify as to the details of the accident.  

Willen set another pre-trial Aug. 28 at 2 p.m. and then explained to Cartwright that a Carroll County grand jury is scheduled to meet Aug. 7 and could consider an indictment against him. 

If an indictment is returned in common pleas court, the municipal court case will be dismissed.

Morello asked for a reduction in the $100,000 cash or surety bond set July 22 and that Cartwright be released to the custody of his mother. 

Prosecutor Adam Lumley objected to the request, saying the driver of the motorcycle Cartwright hit from behind with his vehicle, would also like to go home as well, but he can’t. 

“He’s in the hospital with severe injuries,” Lumley said. “Cartwright left the scene and almost caused several other accidents and ended up being involved in one with a trailer.”

Willen agreed with Lumley, saying he didn’t think it was in the community’s best interest to release Cartwright out on a lower bond and denied the request. 

“If you are indicted in common pleas court, you could look at a reduction in bond at that time,” Willen said. 

Sheriff Calvin Graham provided details of the crash when the department’s main server was down and a printed copy was not available. 

Graham said, while driving on Bacon Rd., Cartwright passed a car and swerved back into the right lane in front of the car. There was a motorcycle driving in front of the car Cartwright passed and as he swerved back into the lane of traffic, his vehicle struck the rear of the motorcycle, ejecting the rider.

Cartwright did not stop and continued on, driving through a field and back onto Bacon Rd. eventually turning onto Avalon Rd. where he was apprehended by deputies.