Wednesday, March 31, 1999

Hit-run victim could go home soon

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Parents of paralyzed boy want tougher law

BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Joshua Kostreva attends a press conference with his parents Tuesday. (Ernest Coleman photo) | ZOOM |

        Joshua Kostreva could trade his room at Children's Hospital Medical Center for the confines of his Symmes Township home as early as April 20, doctors said. And once his injuries — including a fractured right arm — are healed, doctors expect Joshua, who is paralyzed below the waist, to be able to care for himself and move around in a wheelchair.

        Dr. Linda Michaud, director of pediatric rehabilitation at Children's Hospital Medical Center, said at a news conference Tuesday that the staff has given Joshua's parents “guarded prognostic information” to prevent any false hope about the 12-year-old's recovery.

        Joshua was struck by a driver March 2 as he rode his bike, and was thrown over a guardrail and down an embankment.

        Driver Mark Walters, 36, of Lebanon, who has five prior convictions for driving under the influence, was indicted early this month by a Hamilton County grand jury on a charge of felonious assault.

        At Tuesday's news conference, Joshua's parents, Bonnie and David Kostreva, stressed the need for tougher state laws punishing drunken drivers.

        “Currently, the way the Ohio laws (are written) there is a price to be paid for drunk driving, and it is the victim who is paying the price,” Mr. Kostreva said later.

        “And in this case, it is our son, Joshua, who will probably pay the price for the rest of his life. ... That is unfair.

        “We believe people need to be responsible for their actions.”

        But Tuesday saw optimism for Joshua, who also spoke at the news conference. It marked the first time he was able to sit in his wheelchair beyond a 30-degree angle.

        “I think he is showing remarkable spirit,” Dr. Michaud said.

        Mr. Walters, who refused a Breathalyzer, faces up to eight years in prison if convicted on charges of felonious assault, DUI-related aggravated vehicular assault and failure to comply.

       

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