x
Breaking News
More () »

Update: OVI charge against former Toledo economic commissioner have been dropped

Bill Burkett had resigned from his position with the city after the crash that injured a 15-year-old in May.

TOLEDO, Ohio — Bill Burkett was charged with an OVI after a crash in May that left a 15-year-old with major injuries.

He also resigned from his job as Toledo's economic commissioner after the crash.

Now, court documents say the OVI charge against Burkett was dropped on June 12.

READ MORE: OVI charge dropped against Toledo's former economic commissioner accused of seriously injuring teen in drunk driving crash

A finalized crash report, WTOL 11 obtained through the Ohio State Highway Patrol, paints a clearer picture of what exactly happened in the incident that has forever changed a teen's life.

"He is a typical 15-year-old kid doing everything right, and this happens," said family spokesman Richard Carr, who is also Maumee's mayor.

Credit: Tolson Family
Noah Tolson, 15, was hit by a car while jogging on May 14. He is recovering from multiple serious injuries.

Noah Tolson, a sophomore at St. John's Jesuit in the dawn of his life, is now in one of the toughest fights of his life.

"He has broken facial bones, he has injuries to his pelvis, he has numerous deep bruises and lacerations," Carr said.

These are serious injuries he suffered after being hit while out running, staying fit for cross-country and track season.

"9-1-1 what is your emergency?" asked Lucas County 9-1-1 operator. 

On Tuesday, May 14, around 7:30 p.m., emergency crews rushed to the intersection of Russell and North Jerome roads.

"Can you tell me your name?" asked an officer at the scene.

Credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol
Noah Tolson, a St. John's Jesuit runner, was struck by a car on May 14 and suffered multiple severe injuries.

Responding officers found Noah on the ground, with severe injuries to the head.
This dash cam video captured the moment a state trooper made the call no parent ever wants to receive. 

"Is this Noah's mom? This is Trooper Thomas with the Highway Patrol ... He has been in a crash ... he got hit by a vehicle," explained Trooper Thomas. 

Paramedics transported Noah to Toledo Children's Hospital, where he spent nearly a month in a medically induced coma due to swelling and bleeding on the brain.   

Credit: Ohio State Highway Patrol
Former Toledo economic commissioner Bill Burkett fills out paperwork following an accident that injured 15-year-old Noah Tolson.

At the crash scene, troopers talked to the man who admitted to hitting Noah. This turned out to be Bill Burkett, the now former commissioner of economic and business development for the city of Toledo.

"He is breathing, but he needs help right now, WHATS YOUR NAME PLEASE? my name is bill burkett", said Bill Burkett to 9-1-1 dispatch.   

This crash report, completed by the Ohio Highway Patrol, puts Burkett at fault for striking the jogging teen.

"It's a jogger, jogging across the street. I hit him. We need emergency 9-1-1", Burkett said to 9-1-1 dispatch.   

"Anyone who runs, knows you run facing traffic - and he was doing that," said Carr, the Tolson family spokesman.

In the narrative written by troopers, Burkett stated that he saw Noah the entire time as he was jogging in the crosswalk just moments before the crash.

However, they also wrote there was no physical evidence of tire marks on the road, and also said that Burkett was not speeding at the time.

The report states a trooper detected "a strong odor associated with an alcoholic beverage" coming from Burkett and "his eyes were bloodshot and glassy in appearance."

According to the report, Burkett refused to take a Breathalyzer test, but he did take a field sobriety test - which led troopers to charge him with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

Credit: Tolson family
On May 14, Noah Tolson was struck by a car, causing severe injuries to the 15-year-old runner.

"It's a mix of emotions for this family. In one hand you are very happy because you son is coming out of a coma; on the other hand you are very angry because he is in the coma," Carr said.

"It's going to have an impact on this family for the rest of their lives, I think it's shocking that anybody would find themselves in this position today. I think as a society we are so aware of the dangers of drinking and driving," Carr said.

Carr also said the Tolson family plans to let the judicial system handle the pending case against Burkett, while Noah continues to fight.

"At this point it is too early to even understand the extent of what the injuries may be, but then the physical part of it ... my guess is he will not be able to run again in high school, and this is something he loved to do," Carr said.

Noah now is back at home, and his family is confident that he is going to be fine.

Doctors say it could take a year before they know what, if any, impact the accident had on his brain. 

The Tolson family plans to seek their own legal action against Burkett.

Before You Leave, Check This Out