Suspected Drunk Driver Indicted for Injuring Woman, Killing Dog in Amherst

Amherst man faces bond hearing after allegedly striking pedestrian and her pet

Mar. 4, 2026 at 10:50am

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Sean Bankston, a 34-year-old Amherst resident, has been indicted on charges related to a December 2025 incident where he allegedly struck a 65-year-old woman and her dog while driving under the influence. The woman suffered serious injuries, while her dog was killed in the crash. Bankston, who has two prior OVI convictions, is being held on a $250,000 bond and will have a bond hearing in Lorain County Court of Common Pleas.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about repeat drunk driving offenders and the devastating impact impaired driving can have on pedestrians and their pets. Animal rights advocates have pushed for additional animal cruelty charges, underscoring the value placed on the life of the victim's dog.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred on December 20, 2025 when Bankston, driving northbound on North Quarry Road in Amherst, struck Jessica Paige and her dog as they were walking along the roadway. Paige suffered serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, while her dog was pronounced dead at the scene. Bankston has been indicted on several charges, including OVI, and is currently being held on a $250,000 bond.

  • The crash happened at 3:06 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2025 near the intersection of Rome Beauty Drive and North Quarry Road.
  • Bankston has a bond hearing in Lorain County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday.

The players

Sean Bankston

A 34-year-old Amherst resident who has been indicted on charges related to the December 2025 incident where he allegedly struck a pedestrian and her dog while driving under the influence. Bankston has two previous OVI convictions.

Jessica Paige

A 65-year-old woman who was struck by Bankston's vehicle while walking along North Quarry Road in Amherst. Paige suffered serious injuries in the incident.

Friends of Lorain County Dog Kennel

An animal rights advocacy group that pushed for animal cruelty charges to be added to the case, arguing that the life of the victim's dog mattered.

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What they’re saying

“We just thought it was important for Jess to have that little bit of peace of mind that Ishe's life mattered.”

— Toni Jones, Member, Friends of Lorain County Dog Kennel

“Just because my sister was the lucky one, because she wasn't killed. is not right. She's tortured every day.”

— Jessica Paige's brother

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Wednesday whether or not to allow Sean Bankston out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing repeat drunk driving offenders and the need for stronger measures to protect pedestrians and their pets from the devastating consequences of impaired driving. The push for animal cruelty charges underscores the value placed on the life of the victim's dog, and the emotional toll this incident has taken on the victim's family.