News

Actions

Man in wheelchair hit, killed during drag race on West 25th Street; driver charged

Posted at 7:48 AM, Oct 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-14 15:20:24-04

A woman is facing aggravated vehicular homicide charges following a drag race on West 25th Street overnight that ended with the death of a man in a wheelchair. 

Cleveland police say 21-year-old Deonica Pannell was driving her 2011 Ford Fusion southbound on West 25th Street around 11:30 p.m. when her car collided with a 1996 Nissan Maxima.

According to police, Pannell, who was driving well in excess of the 25 mph speed limit, told officers she was drag racing with the driver of the Maxima before the crash. 

After the cars collided, they hit 55-year-old John E. Kudryk, of Cleveland, who was crossing the street in a wheelchair. 

Kudryk was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

The driver of the Maxima fled the scene on foot.

Pannell was treated at MetroHealth Medical Center and released. She was then booked into jail on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular assault. 

Police say she was also under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash. 

Pannell's passenger is being treated for serious injuries at MetroHealth Medical Center.