Teenager in custody after fatal North Columbus crash

Two killed when teen fleeing police ran stop sign, colliding with another vehicle

Mar. 15, 2026 at 4:48pm

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A 17-year-old male driver is in custody after a crash in North Columbus on Saturday afternoon that left two people dead. The teen was fleeing from police in a Toyota Prius when he ran a stop sign and collided with a Saturn Ion, killing the 52-year-old passenger and critically injuring the 71-year-old driver, who later died at the hospital.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of high-speed police chases and the need for more effective policies around when and how law enforcement can pursue fleeing suspects, especially in densely populated urban areas where innocent bystanders are at risk.

The details

According to investigators, the 17-year-old male was driving the Prius westbound on 19th Avenue when he failed to yield at a stop sign and struck the northbound Saturn Ion at the intersection of Hamilton and 19th. The 52-year-old passenger in the Saturn, Tessa Berry, was pronounced dead at the scene. The 71-year-old driver, Franklin Ward, was transported to Grant Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.

  • The crash occurred around 3:44 p.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Police had initially attempted to pull over the Prius near Cleveland and Maynard avenues prior to the fatal collision.

The players

17-year-old male

The teenage driver of the Toyota Prius who fled from police and caused the fatal crash.

Tessa Berry

The 52-year-old passenger in the Saturn Ion who was killed in the collision.

Franklin Ward

The 71-year-old driver of the Saturn Ion who was critically injured in the crash and later died at the hospital.

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What’s next

The 17-year-old driver is in custody and will likely face charges related to the fatal crash. Authorities are still investigating the initial reason for attempting to pull over the Prius.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for law enforcement to carefully weigh the risks of high-speed pursuits, especially in urban areas where innocent lives can be lost. It also raises questions about how to address dangerous driving and crime by underage offenders in a way that prioritizes public safety.