For Immediate Release: September 16, 2016

Contact: Lieutenant Robert Sellers (614) 752-2792

Update: Driver arrested in relation to crash killing

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper

CLEVELAND – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is mourning the loss of Trooper Kenneth Velez, of the Cleveland Post, after he passed away following a traffic crash near Lakewood, Ohio in Cuyahoga County.

The crash occurred on Interstate Route 90 near mile post 165 at approximately 12:44 p.m., on September 15. Trooper Velez was standing inside the berm while conducting traffic enforcement outside his patrol car. A black 2015 Hyundai struck him after swerving toward the berm to avoid another vehicle. The vehicle’s driver, Joshua Gaspar, 37, of Columbia Station, is in custody. He has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.

“This is a tragedy for the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety,” said Colonel Paul Pride, Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent. “Our prayers go out to the Velez family during this difficult time.”

Trooper Velez, 48, graduated as a member of the 118th Academy class in November 1989. Trooper Velez is survived by his three children.



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