The driver accused of hitting and killing Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Kenneth Velez on Interstate 90 appeared in court Saturday for a bond hearing.
Joshua Gaspar, 37, is charged with aggravated vehicular homicide.
Velez, 48, was on the interstate conducting traffic enforcement about 1 p.m. when he was hit outside his cruiser on the highway. He was a 27 year veteran of the force and a father of three.
Gaspar appeared in Cleveland Municipal Court about 8:45 a.m. for a bond hearing. Judge Michelle D. Early set his bond at $500,000.
During the court hearing, Gaspar appeared handcuffed and wore a black T-shirt with red numbers. He spoke only to his lawyer and did not enter a plea. The hearing lasted just a few minutes.
Gaspar is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 27.
Court records show Gaspar was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. Troopers were seen performing field sobriety tests on Gaspar following the crash. Shortly after, he was arrested and placed in the back of a patrol car.
Gaspar was being held at a local jail.
Viewing hours for Trooper Velez will be held on Sept. 21 from 3-8 p.m. at Lorain High School. His mass will take place on Sept. 22 at 9:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Chapel on Pearl Road in Lorain and the trooper will be buried following the mass at Calvary Cemetery in Lorain.
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