A Metro bus driver is now facing a criminal charge after a deadly July crash on the Norwood Lateral that killed a City of Cincinnati traffic worker and injured another city employee. The collision happened July 16 on westbound State Route 562 and involves the first publicly filed criminal count in the case, even as investigators continue to pore over the scene evidence and vehicle data.
Hamilton County investigators have identified the driver as Kyle Brandon Taylor, who is charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and is scheduled to appear in Hamilton County Municipal Court tomorrow, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has said the charge follows an investigation that began immediately after the July crash.
What investigators say
Investigators report that a Metro bus traveling westbound on Ohio 562 hit the back of a Ford F-250 that was towing a trailer with three city workers on board. The crew had been collecting advance warning signs for a work zone when the impact pushed the truck into the trailer, according to WLWT. One of those workers, Jonathan Young, 46, a supervising traffic worker with the Department of Public Services, later died from his injuries. He was identified by the Hamilton County coroner, as reported by FOX19. The crash shut down westbound lanes of the Norwood Lateral while investigators documented the scene.
Driver's record and agency response
Court records show Taylor previously received citations for running a red light and for speeding, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. Metro did not immediately respond to requests for comment after the misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter charge was filed.
Background and oversight
This latest case comes on the heels of several high-profile Metro crashes in recent years, including a 2024 incident that resulted in a death and prompted scrutiny of driver licensing practices and agency oversight, according to reporting by WCPO. That record has fueled calls from advocates and some families for tighter checks on operator histories and more transparent public reporting on safety reviews.
What comes next
Taylor is due in court for an initial hearing tomorrow while Hamilton County prosecutors and the sheriff’s traffic unit continue reviewing evidence, including vehicle data and witness statements, according to FOX19. Officials have asked anyone who has video or other information related to the crash to contact the sheriff’s office as the investigation moves forward.
