An Amherst man is now facing serious legal repercussions following a tragic incident that left a 65-year-old pedestrian critically injured and her dog deceased. As reported by FOX 8 News, the 34-year-old driver, identified as Sean Bankston, was allegedly operating his vehicle under the influence when his 2012 Chevrolet Malibu collided with the victim walking along Rome Beauty Drive and North Quarry Road.
Details provided by the Cleveland 19 News convey the seriousness of the woman's injuries: she suffered a skull fracture and brain bleed, her spine and pelvis were broken, alongside broken legs and ankles, following the crash which occurred on a Saturday afternoon, the aftermath of which involved her being thrown some 20 feet from the site of impact where assistance was provided by Amherst Fire Department and Lifecare personnel.
The victim, now identified by her sister-in-law as Jess Paige, remains in hospital with multiple severe injuries including a skull fracture, broken hip, broken ribs, and has the added sorrow of losing her dog, Isshe, which as FOX 8 News details through an interview Julie Podomnik stated "She had no concern about herself. It was about her dog, and it will always be about her dog," showing the deep bond between Paige and her late companion.
Bankston, whose alleged impaired driving has had such grave consequences, is facing several charges, including Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI), OVI Refusal, Aggravated Vehicular Assault, and Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle, as all three sources including WKYC concur on these pressing charges, he is scheduled for arraignment in court the following Monday morning, where he will be called to answer for the events that have led to such devastation and lasting impact on the victim and the community that surrounds her.
