Zanesville man pleads guilty to aggravated vehicular assault in August crash
December 18, 2018
A Zanesville man faces a mandatory prison sentence of up to five years in connection to a crash on Military Road in late August.
Robert Wheeler, 38, pleaded guilty to one third-degree felony count of aggravated vehicular assault and two first-degree misdemeanor counts of OVI Monday morning.
According to Muskingum County Assistant Prosecutor John Litle, Wheeler had consumed four 16-ounce beers and was under the influence of prescription drugs Xanax and Gabapentin when he got behind the wheel of his car.
Around 9 p.m. Aug. 28, police responded to a head-on collision in which a man and woman were seriously injured. According to Litle, the woman suffered multiple injuries, including a broken femur, broken pelvis and displaced hip.
At the time, officers were unable to determine which driver had gone left of center, causing the crash, however, alcohol and speed were suspected causes.
At the hospital, Wheeler smelled of alcohol and appeared to be intoxicated, Litle said.
In the days to follow, Wheeler admitted to being under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he left work.
Wheeler’s sentencing date has not yet been determined.
Correction: The article originally stated that Wheeler faces a mandatory five year prison sentence. While a prison sentence is mandatory, five years is a possibility.
Edward bickford • Dec 19, 2018 at 6:59 am
God what was this man thinking thank god they all made it out of the werck this is a wake up call for all you others out there that drink and drive this just show you just how bad things can go wrong when you drive drunk anyway good luck to you all……