Steven Von Bargen, the
17-year-old who was driving a speeding car that crashed, killing his brother and two schoolmates, remembers nothing of the accident, police said Thursday.
Investigators interviewed Steven for the first time since the Tuesday morning crash in Winton Hills. ''He doesn't remember anything about the accident or what led up to it,'' said Officer Mark Ziegler of the Cincinnati Police traffic unit. ''Neither driver does.''
Steven was driving at more than 60 mph in the 5300 block of Este Avenue, a 35-mph zone, headed to Roger Bacon High School, police said. He apparently lost control of the car, spun sideways across the center line and was broadsided by an oncoming car.
The impact killed all three passengers - his brother Greg, 16; Sarah Garibay, 17; and Kyle Yearion, 15, all sophomores at Roger Bacon.
School administrators canceled classes Thursday and Friday. ''Basically, people had nothing left in them'' after a Wednesday memorial service, said the Rev. Roger Bosse, Roger Bacon principal.
The driver of the other car, Donald Robinson, 37, of Union Township, Clermont County, remained hospitalized in fair condition Thursday. He declined interview requests.
Both drivers had been ticketed for speeding in 1996. Steven was convicted in October on a case from Clinton County. Mr. Robinson was convicted of speeding in August in a Cincinnati case.
The accident report from Tuesday's collision showed preliminary findings that Mr. Robinson was driving at the speed limit.
Police have said that excessive speed was a factor in the fatal crash. They are now trying to determine what role was played by a broken-down minivan that was parked in traffic on Este Avenue the morning of the crash.
The driver of the minivan contacted police Thursday and said he had alternator problems and left the vehicle in the curb lane of southbound Este with the hazard flashers on. The driver went for help and was not with the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Investigators suspect a weak battery may have dimmed the hazard lights. Steven, they said, may not have seen the parked minivan at first, then jerked the steering wheel to avoid it, losing control of his own car.
Police are continuing their investigation and could present the case to the Hamilton County prosecutor's office as early as next week for a decision on whether charges should be filed.
Also Thursday, police urged people who visit the crash site to use caution and wear bright clothing because they are creating a traffic hazard. There was a traffic accident Thursday morning at the crash site - no one was injured - and there have been several
near-misses involving people parked in traffic or standing in the street.
Previous stories
PALL CAST OVER ROGER BACON Jan. 16, 1997
3 DEATHS SHATTER SCHOOL Jan. 15, 1997
