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NEW JASPER, Ohio (WDTN) - 2 NEWS Investigates has obtained dash camera video from the car of the Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper who hit a Beavercreek couple on a motorcycle. WDTN filed a lawsuit in an effort to make the video public.
Amy and Corey Waldman were traveling west on U.S. 35 the night of August 17 when their motorcycle was rear-ended by Trooper Jacob Daymon. Mrs. Waldman, the passenger, had to be flown to Miami Valley Hospital. Her husband was taken there by ambulance. They both say had it not been for their helmets they probably would not have survived. The couple says they have no hard feelings and even forgave the trooper the next day.
The video, obtained by 2 NEWS Investigates, shows Trooper Daymon's patrol car directly rear-ended the motorcycle, knocking the Waldmans to the ground. It appears Trooper Daymon took no action to avoid the collision.
Daymon then stopped his patrol car, backed up several yards, and used his car to block the lane where the accident occurred.
Dash camera video is commonly released after newsworthy incidents as it is considered a public record. Unlike other newsworthy incidents, however, the Ohio State Police refused to release it, citing a request from the Greene County prosecutor. In court documents, prosecutor Stephen Haller called the video “evidence in a criminal investigation.”
A ruling in the Court of Appeals, Second Appellate District of Ohio in Greene County, ordered the Greene County prosecutor to give WDTN-TV a copy of the video by today, or explain the legal reasoning as to why he should not have to comply.
2 NEWS Investigates asked for and was given a copy of Trooper Daymon's personal file which shows he's never been disciplined, in fact he was 2012 Trooper of the Year at the Xenia Post.
2 NEWS Investigates contacted Trooper Daymon to hear his account of what happened and he said, "He was advised by an attorney not to speak with anyone about it."
The Ohio State Highway Patrol told 2 NEWS the crash report is not yet done, and Trooper Daymon does continue to perform his duties for the Xenia Post.
Greene County Prosecutor Stephen Haller said he did not want to do an on-camera interview, but did explain why he didn't release the dash cam video before now. He said he wanted the grand jury and the couple to view it first. He was able to make sure that happened last week to meet today's deadline.
2 NEWS Investigates reached out to the couple as well and were told by a relative that they aren't doing well. Mr. Waldman had to have x-rays done today and Mrs. Waldman was suffering from a concussion.
NEW JASPER, Ohio (WDTN) - 2 NEWS Investigates has obtained dash camera video from the car of the Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper who hit a Beavercreek couple on a motorcycle. WDTN filed a lawsuit in an effort to make the video public.
Amy and Corey Waldman were traveling west on U.S. 35 the night of August 17 when their motorcycle was rear-ended by Trooper Jacob Daymon. Mrs. Waldman, the passenger, had to be flown to Miami Valley Hospital. Her husband was taken there by ambulance. They both say had it not been for their helmets they probably would not have survived. The couple says they have no hard feelings and even forgave the trooper the next day.
The video, obtained by 2 NEWS Investigates, shows Trooper Daymon's patrol car directly rear-ended the motorcycle, knocking the Waldmans to the ground. It appears Trooper Daymon took no action to avoid the collision.
Daymon then stopped his patrol car, backed up several yards, and used his car to block the lane where the accident occurred.
Dash camera video is commonly released after newsworthy incidents as it is considered a public record. Unlike other newsworthy incidents, however, the Ohio State Police refused to release it, citing a request from the Greene County prosecutor. In court documents, prosecutor Stephen Haller called the video “evidence in a criminal investigation.”
A ruling in the Court of Appeals, Second Appellate District of Ohio in Greene County, ordered the Greene County prosecutor to give WDTN-TV a copy of the video by today, or explain the legal reasoning as to why he should not have to comply.
2 NEWS Investigates asked for and was given a copy of Trooper Daymon's personal file which shows he's never been disciplined, in fact he was 2012 Trooper of the Year at the Xenia Post.
2 NEWS Investigates contacted Trooper Daymon to hear his account of what happened and he said, "He was advised by an attorney not to speak with anyone about it."
The Ohio State Highway Patrol told 2 NEWS the crash report is not yet done, and Trooper Daymon does continue to perform his duties for the Xenia Post.
Greene County Prosecutor Stephen Haller said he did not want to do an on-camera interview, but did explain why he didn't release the dash cam video before now. He said he wanted the grand jury and the couple to view it first. He was able to make sure that happened last week to meet today's deadline.
2 NEWS Investigates reached out to the couple as well and were told by a relative that they aren't doing well. Mr. Waldman had to have x-rays done today and Mrs. Waldman was suffering from a concussion.
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