LIBERTY TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Northbound Interstate 75 was shut down for several hours just north of state Route 129 as police investigated a multiple-car crash at about 1:13 a.m. Tuesday.
Twenty-five-year-old Michael Samartini, of Centerville, was charged with OVI and assured cleared distance after police say he rear-ended a Jeep Cherokee, causing his 2014 Hyundai Sonata and the Jeep to veer left off the highway and strike a concrete median.
Police say Samartini's car then traveled back across the roadway, striking a second Hyundai Sonata in the rear. A semitractor-trailer swerved to avoid the crash, struck Samartini's car, overturned and came to rest across three lanes of travel.
During this time, a motorcycle was also struck by debris and safely pulled off to stop on the left shoulder of the highway.
Samartini and the drivers from the big rig, the other Hyundai and the motorcycle were transported from the scene to Atrium Medical Center. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee was released from the scene with minor injuries. No injuries are to be life-threatening at this time.
Speed and alcohol were believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.
Troopers on scene were assisted by the Butler County Sheriff's Office, Liberty Township Fire and EMS, West Chester Police, Monroe Police and the Ohio Department of Transportation.
The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
