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Driver charged in fatal I-275 bridge crash

Posted at 11:43 PM, Mar 20, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-22 11:45:19-04

CINCINNATI — Police arrested Monday the man they said was responsible for a fatal crash on Interstate 275 over the weekend.

Police charged 35-year-old Cory Lippmeier with aggravated vehicular homicide after, officers say, he rear-ended another motorist while crossing the highway’s Combs-Hehl Bridge around 9:30 Sunday evening.

That motorist, identified by police as 41-year-old Scott Petredis, died from his injuries, and Lippmeier also sustained serious injuries in the crash.

Both drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash, police said.

Police suspect excessive speed was a contributing factor in the crash, and were still investigating the incident.

The crash occurred less than a week after a series of chain-reaction crashes on the bridge sent a car over the side and into the Ohio River. The vehicle has not yet been recovered and officials have not confirmed how many people were inside. It is expected to be raised this week.

Recovery crews said they are forced to wait until river conditions improve in order to retrieve the vehicle.