Local News
Motorcyclist James Gleason killed in crash while fleeing state trooper in Clinton County
DAYTON, Ohio — A 27-year-old Beavercreek man died Thursday night after a motorcycle crash in Clinton County while attempting to evade a traffic stop, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP).
The fatal incident occurred shortly after 10 p.m. on State Route 133 in Blanchester.
Authorities identified the motorcyclist as James Gleason, 27, of Beavercreek.
Preliminary findings from OSHP indicate that Gleason fled from a traffic stop and was traveling at a high rate of speed.
While attempting to pass a pickup truck in a clearly marked no-passing zone, the situation escalated.
Investigators say the pickup truck was in the process of making a turn when it collided with Gleason’s motorcycle.
Following the impact, the motorcycle left the roadway and struck a roadside sign, ejecting the rider.
Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene; however, Gleason was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding contributing factors or whether any charges will be filed.
Officials continue to urge drivers to obey traffic laws and avoid high-risk driving behaviors, particularly during nighttime travel.
Local News
29-Year-Old Alex Rodriguez Found Dead on University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, No Foul Play Suspected
URBANA, Ill. — A 29-year-old Champaign man found dead on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus Monday morning has been identified as Alex C. Rodriguez, according to the Champaign County Coroner’s Office.
The University of Illinois Police Department (UIPD) responded to the area of Green and Wright streets at approximately 6:42 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive person near the Alma Mater statue.
Officers arrived and found Rodriguez on a concrete bench. Emergency medical assistance was requested at the scene.
The Champaign County Coroner’s Office responded, and Rodriguez was pronounced dead at approximately 7:16 a.m., according to Coroner Laurie Brauer.
Authorities said Rodriguez was not affiliated with the University of Illinois.
UIPD provided an update Monday afternoon, saying preliminary observations at the scene revealed no signs of foul play.
Police also said there was no evidence of an ongoing threat to the university campus or surrounding community based on the information available when officers responded.
Because investigators did not identify an active threat, the university did not issue an Illini-Alert emergency notification.
The circumstances surrounding Rodriguez’s death have not been determined.
An autopsy has been scheduled, and the death remains under investigation by the University of Illinois Police Department.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances leading to Rodriguez’s death.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional details are expected as investigators receive further information from the autopsy and other evidence.
No foul play has been indicated based on the preliminary investigation.