Charges added in cyclist's death
CRANBERRY TWP — Homicide charges have been filed against a township man who was allegedly driving drunk last week and struck and a cyclist, who then died.
David Lohr, 51, was originally charged with felony aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and misdemeanor DUI high rate of alcohol first offense, DUI general impairment of driving safely first offense and reckless driving stemming from the Dec. 26 incident.
On Friday, additional felony charges of criminal homicide, homicide by vehicle while DUI, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault by a vehicle as well as a summary traffic offense were added.
Lohr allegedly struck a bike being ridden by Aleksander Teimouri, 22, who was coming home from work on Rochester Road.
According to the affidavit of probable cause, officers arrived near the intersection of Rochester and Haine School roads just after 11:30 p.m. Dec. 26 and found Teimouri on the sidewalk, bleeding from the head. He was not alert, and the injuries appeared severe.
Officers spoke with Lohr, whose vehicle had sustained heavy damage to the passenger front side, according to the affidavit. Lohr allegedly said he was traveling west along Rochester Road, the same direction Teimouri was traveling. He said he wasn't sure when he saw Teimouri, but “did confirm that his vehicle struck the bicyclist along Rochester Road,” the affidavit states.
Officers noted the only apparent road marks were of the bicycle being dragged along the pavement. Those marks were found beyond the lane of travel, the affidavit states.
The affidavit states officers allegedly noticed the smell of alcohol on Lohr's breath, and Lohr told police he had a couple drinks. A series of field sobriety tests was given, and the affidavit indicates Lohr “performed poorly” on them.
A subsequent blood draw indicates Lohr's BAC was 0.141 percent, the affidavit states. A blood alcohol level of 0.08 is considered intoxicated under state law.
Lohr was taken to Butler County Prison for arraignment. Documents indicate a $10,000 unsecured bail was set.
A Jan. 25 preliminary hearing is scheduled before District Judge David Kovach.
