Bond set for accused drunk driver

PERKINS TWP. — Bond was set for the man accused of striking two boys with his car while he was allegedly driving drunk on Saturday. Joseph P. Fox, 34, of the 3300 block of E. Stoneway Drive, is facing two third-degree felony counts of aggravated vehicular assault and leaving the scene of an injury accident, which is also a felony. He is additionally charged with two misdemeanors: operating a vehicle while impaired and assured clear distance ahead. During his Monday morning arraignment in Sandusky Municipal Court, Fox pleaded not guilty to all charges. Judge Erich O'Brien set Fox's bond for the charges at $65,000. If he is released, he would be required to submit to secure continuous remote alcohol monitoring with SCRAM, a device worn around the ankle. It can detect alcohol in the wearer's system. If the monitor detects alcohol, Fox's bond could be revoked, and he would be sent back to jail. In order to post bond, Fox would also need to clear up a probation violation. On April 5, 2024, Fox was convicted of OVI in Erie County Municipal Court. He was sentenced to 60 days in jail with 57 days suspended. He was placed on probation for two years. Fox has a probation probable cause hearing scheduled for 9:45 a.m. on July 21 in Erie County Municipal Court. Judge C.J. Kamm could reinstate the suspended 57-day jail sentence. The crash Just before 2:45 a.m. on July 5, first responders were called to the 2700 block of Campbell St. for the report of boys who were struck by a car. Three boys were riding a three-wheeled bicycle southbound on Campbell Street, according to an Ohio State Highway Patrol media release. One boy "noticed a car approaching and warned the others — it looked like the driver wasn't slowing down," according to a social media post by one of the boys' mothers. "The boys pulled to the side of the road to avoid the vehicle, but despite having tail lights, the three-wheeler was struck from behind. The driver didn't stop. It was a hit-and-run." One boy was able to jump clear of the bike before it was hit. The other two boys were ejected when the bike was struck. They landed in the northbound lane and suffered severe injuries. None of the boys were wearing helmets, according to the release. Both of the injured boys were taken to a local hospital before being flown to University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. Photos released by the patrol show the bike was demolished. The injured One of the boys, Bronx Ahlers, suffered a traumatic brain injury. "He is fighting his way to recovery but it's going to be a long road," according to a fundraiser established for his medical expenses. As of late Thursday, the Support Bronx's Recovery from Traumatic Injury fund has raised more than $10,000 of its $50,000 goal. The fund can be found on the crowdsourcing platform GoFundMe.com. Alternatively, those wishing to contribute can donate through the Venmo application to the account @Angie-Greene-Ahlers. The family of the other injured boy requested privacy while he recovers. The boy suffered myriad injuries, the most serious of which was a fractured femur, or thigh bone, according to a publicly available post on a social media platform. Aleas Earrings will set up a pop-up shop at Mikey's Froyo from 2-5 p.m. on July 19. The shop will collect donations for both injured boys. Mikey's Froyo is located at 414 W. Perkins Ave.