NEW RUSSIA TWP. — A 43-year-old Vermilion man was arraigned Wednesday morning after being arrested and charged with vehicular homicide in connection with a fatal August car crash police said was caused by texting while driving.
Michael McFarland
Michael D. McFarland pleaded not guilty to the charges of vehicular homicide as well as misdemeanor charges for reckless operation, willful or wanton disregard and driving while texting.
According to police, McFarland, of Brownhelm Station Road in Vermillion, was driving on U.S. Route 20 in New Russia Township on Aug. 21 when his Dodge 1500 rear-ended a Jeep. McFarland’s vehicle then drove left of center and hit a Ford Focus, which went off the road.
The Focus was driven by Hubert H. Vaughan, 48, who died at the scene. Vaughan was a lifelong Lorain resident, a father of three and grandfather of five.
In his obituary, he was remembered for loving his family, motorcycling, scuba diving, shooting pool, camping and fishing.
The driver of the Jeep, Tami M. Ford, 53, had minor injuries after the crash.
McFarland’s vehicle overturned and he was treated for “incapacitating injuries” at Cleveland’s MetroHealth Medical Center.
During the investigation into the crash, police obtained a search warrant to look at McFarland’s phone records.
Police say Vaughan’s family was notified of the charges.
McFarland was released from jail on a $5,000 personal bond.
There is a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday in Oberlin Municipal Court.
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