Sunday, February 27, 2000
Fireman may admit DUI
BY KEVIN ALDRIDGE
The Cincinnati Enquirer
DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP — An off-duty firefighter accused of leaving the scene of a crash could plead guilty to drunken driving as part of a plea bargain.
Christopher Ellis, 23, a part-time volunteer with Deerfield Township Fire Rescue, was charged last month with drunken driving, obstructing official business, falsification, reckless operation and failure to stop after an accident. Mr. Ellis earlier pleaded not guilty.
But Mason Prosecutor Robert Peeler says that under a tentative plea agreement, Mr. Ellis could plead guilty to DUI and leaving the scene in exchange for prosecutors dropping the remaining charges.
Passenger Christian Elliott, 24, a part-time firefighter, is also expected to cut a deal. Mr. Elliot faces a second-degree misdemeanor charge of obstructing official business.
“Mr. Elliot would agree to testify in the case against (Mr. Ellis) if necessary and follow through with any recommended reprimands from his employer,” Mr. Peeler said Friday. The charge would then be dropped.
The two firefighters have had their driving privileges in the department suspended and each received a cut in pay. Lebanon lawyer Charles Rittgers said he could not comment about the case because he no longer represents Mr. Ellis.
Mason police arrested Mr. Ellis and Mr. Elliott after a pickup Mr. Ellis was driving smashed into a pole in front of United Dairy Farmers on Mason-Montgomery Road.
Three clerks told police Mr. Ellis tried to back up and leave the scene, but couldn't because the truck was disabled. Mr. Ellis then jumped out and ran, while Mr. Elliott used a pay phone to call for help, witnesses said.
Police said the truck had a strong odor of alcohol and a keg pump and two beer mugs were on the floor.
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