Dump truck driver who allegedly struck overhead sign in deadly I-480 accident pleads not guilty
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The driver of the Western Star dump truck who allegedly caused a fatal accident after hitting a sign on I-480 near State Road in Cleveland, pleaded not guilty in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Tuesday morning.
Jason Beard, 38, failed to show up for his arraignment on March 23.
Beard is charged with two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Daniel Ripepi, 62, was killed after the sign crashed onto his pickup truck on Sept. 24, 2020.
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers said Beard was driving with the bed of his dump truck raised and it clipped the sign.
Beard, who was not injured in the accident, was working on an ODOT construction project between I76 and State Road.
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