Stark ESC investigating hit-skip crash involving employee, van

JACKSON TWP. – The Stark County Education Service Center is investigating an employee accused of leaving the scene of an accident while operating an ESC-owned passenger van.

Clifford T. Smith, 75, of Plain Township was charged with failure to stop after an accident, a fourth-degree felony. Smith was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Express van owned by the ESC when it was struck by an 8-year-old boy on a bike. Smith did not stop after the collision.

A letter was placed in Smith's personnel file from Superintendent Joe Chaddock. Smith worked for the ESC on an as-needed basis transporting students on Sundays and holidays, the letter said. He has been employed by the ESC since August 2014.

Chaddock indicated law enforcement, as well as the ESC, is conducting an investigation into the crash and pending the outcome of the investigations, Smith will not be permitted to perform any of his duties.

Smith's file contained no reprimands regarding his job performance. The file only contained contractual information for his employment.

According to the police report. Smith was traveling east on Bretton Street NW when the boy, who was traveling north on Norriton NW Circle, failed to stop and struck the 16-person passenger van.

Witnesses described the van as white with a blue stripe and blue lettering.

Authorities found Smith at his home shortly after the crash hosing off the van, which had signs of damage on the front passenger tire and side panel. He admitted to police he collided with the bike but denied knowing there was a child involved, the police report said.

Chaddock declined to comment on the matter pending the investigation.

A message seeking comment was left with Smith's attorney.

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Stark ESC looking at crash involving ESC employee, van