Two men killed in Thursday shootings

OVER-THE-RHINE - Cincinnati homicide detectives on Friday were investigating the city's second killing in 24 hours.

Just before midnight Thursday, someone called 911 to report a person was shot near the corner of Elder and Republic streets. Officers and medics found David Hutchinson, 20, shot.

Hutchinson was pronounced dead at University Hospital.

The killing was the 27th in the city this year. That's two fewer homicides than at this time in 2003, when a 26-year record was set with 75.

No one had been arrested in Hutchinson's death Friday.

At 12:20 a.m. Thursday, a 35-year-old Winton Terrace man was shot to death at 7th and Vine streets downtown. A 17-year-old was arrested in that case.

Family evacuated after mercury spill

FRANKLIN - A small mercury spill is likely to keep one family out of their home this weekend, officials said.

Crews were called to a Rolling Hills Drive home Friday afternoon after learning that between a half-pint and a pint of mercury was spilled in the garage. The Franklin Fire Department, Warren County Haz-Mat chief and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency were on the scene, according to Warren County Emergency Services Director Frank Young.

One young boy was taken to Sycamore Hospital in Miamisburg for evaluation, even though it was unclear if he came into contact with the hazardous material, according to Franklin fire officials.

Officials suggested the family stay out of the house this weekend until clean-up crews can come in, Young said.

Mercury exposure can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and severe kidney damage.

Rape suspect arrested in Texas

GOSHEN - A Goshen man indicted on sex charges against children, including rape, has been arrested in Texas.

Daryl Vogt, 39, was arrested about 10:50 p.m. Thursday at a home in Flower Mound, Texas. He was staying at the home with relatives, Goshen Police Detective Jeff Lacey said.

Vogt was indicted Wednesday in Clermont County on more than 40 counts of sexual crimes against five boys, all younger than 15.

Two killed in separate crashes

GEORGETOWN - State troopers were investigating two fatal crashes in Brown County Friday.

Alexander J. Blansette, 18, of Fayetteville, died in a single-car crash at 1:20 a.m. that injured the driver and another passenger. Highway patrol officials in Georgetown said a vehicle driven by Charles R. Suggs, 21, went out of control on Gauche Road, striking a utility pole and a fence before overturning in a field.

Suggs and passenger, Tracy L. Mahaney were transported to area hospitals, where they were in stable condition Friday.

A second crash on Ohio 73 near Jaybird Road, left one person dead after a car collided with a tractor-trailer about 2:45 p.m. Patrol officials said the fatality involved the driver of the car, who was alone. Troopers did not immediately release the identity of the victim.