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Police: Pedestrian struck, killed by TANK bus in Covington

Dennis Michael Rahtz pronounced dead
Police respond to pedestrian killed on 4th Street in Covington
Posted at 1:34 PM, Mar 10, 2022
and last updated 2022-03-14 16:27:07-04

COVINGTON, Ky. — A pedestrian was hit and killed while walking at the intersection of 4th Street and Scott Street in Covington Thursday afternoon.

Covington Assistant Chief of Police Brian R. Valenti said a man in his 30s entered the crosswalk at around 12:30 p.m. just as a TANK bus began turning right onto E. 4th Street. Valenti said the bus driver continued down 4th Street "unaware" of the crash.

Cincinnati resident Dennis Michael Rahtz, 38, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Criminal Investigations Bureau located the bus, and Valenti said the driver is cooperating with investigators. TANK released a statement saying the driver has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.

"At this time it is unclear as to the specific cause," Valenti said in a press release. "Once additional information is gathered, investigators will be able to determine what, if any, charges may be filed."

TANK Deputy General Manager Gina Douthat said in the TANK statement that the bus involved had a fully operational camera system and police will review video of the incident from those cameras.

Police taped off the intersection for several hours during the investigation. The road is now open.

Here is the full statement from TANK on the incident:

On Thursday, March 10 a TANK bus was involved in an accident in Covington at the intersection of 4th & Scott Streets. The accident resulted in a pedestrian fatality.

The investigation is ongoing, being led by the Covington Police Department. Because of the nature of the investigation, TANK will not be making any specific comments about the incident. All questions related to the accident are best referred to the Covington PD.The TANK Operator involved is cooperating fully with the police and is on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues.

The bus involved had a fully operational camera system and those videos have been turned over to the police to assist with their investigation.

Pedestrian hit, killed in Covington at 4th Street and Scott Street
Pedestrian hit, killed in Covington at 4th Street and Scott Street