Tuscarawas County prosecutor to review Bolivar fatal crash report that killed Canton man
NEW PHILADELPHIA ‒ The driver involved in a fatal collision Dec. 29 on Interstate 77 near Bolivar had methamphetamine in his car, according to Sgt. William Bower of the New Philadelphia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
He said Craig J. Hanslik is suspected of being impaired after he drove his 2009 Lincoln MKZ off the right side of the road and hit the rear of a disabled 2009 Honda Pilot SUV.
Fatal crash:Canton man in disabled SUV killed in Interstate 77 crash near Bolivar
The impact killed Canton resident Christopher T. Peters, 38, who was inside the Honda on the west berm of the southbound lanes of the interstate around 11:48 p.m., according to the highway patrol.
Bower said Peters was waiting for a tow truck when the crash occurred.
"It's just a complete tragedy, that's for sure" Bowers said.
Hanslik, a 53-year-old Canton resident, is being held in the Stark County jail for violating terms of probation arising from a conviction for aggravated drug possession arising from a 2020 case. Bower said Hanslik broke parole by failing to tell his parole officer about the fatal crash.
Bower said Hanslik's car contained 140 grams, nearly five ounces, of methamphetamine.
The sergeant said the patrol is trying to complete the crash investigation so it can be sent to the Tuscarawas County Prosecutor's Office.
"Most likely, it will go to grand jury," Bower said. He said the seriousness of the crash is elevated because Hanslik did not have a driver's license and because drugs were found in his car.
Hanslik was treated at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital.
Peters was remembered in his obituary as a Christ-follower, husband, father, son and brother who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Monica and sons Max, Mason and Elliott of Canton; parents Bill and Pamela Peters of Columbus; brother Brian Peters of Cleveland, and aunts, uncles, and cousins.
"Chris loved Jesus and worked hard to become the man God wanted him to be," his memorial tribute said. "He was absolutely hilarious, authentic, loyal, and had a fierce devotion and love for his family."
He was remembered as a longtime member of Canton's First Christian Church where he served on the worship team and had many close friends. He was most recently employed at Holmes Seed in Canton, and previously worked at Hartville Hardware.
His obituary said Peters "truly enjoyed the career God had given him as well as daily talks with his boss at the end of the day. He enjoyed music, grilling on his Traeger, Ohio sports teams, ice cream, Charmin toilet paper, talking politics, flannel shirts, hoodies, hats, and making phone calls instead of texts. Chris loved people and loved being around others."
Correction: This story has been corrected. The original day for the celebration of life was incorrect.
A celebration of life will be held at noon Jan. 7 at First Christian Church in Canton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 6 in the church. The Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Reach Nancy at 330-364-8402 or nancy.molnar@timesreporter.com.
On Twitter: @nmolnarTR
This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Case against driver in fatal crash expected to go to grand jury
