Trial dates set for men involved in deadly high speed chase
An April 24, 2023 trial date has been scheduled for Emin Johnson, the driver of a car that struck and killed Bluffton police officer Dominic Francis on March 31, 2022. The date was scheduled on Wednesday in Hancock County Common Pleas Court, according to a Lima News report on November 9. Ten counts ranging from involuntary manslaughter to improper handling of firearms are part of the indictment.
Two other men who were in the vehicle that struck Francis have been scheduled for trial. Dante Tate has a trial date of January 17, 2023 and faces four charges including improper use of firearms in a motor vehicle and grand theft of a motor vehicle. Zachary Love has a trial date of March 27, 2023 and faces four charges including tampering with evidence and having weapons under disability.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Friday, November 13, 2026
- 55th annual Carol Sing at Riley Creek UMC, Dec. 6
- Next Generation 911 announced by Hancock County
- Christine Denecker appointed to Ohio Humanities Council
- Community Electric Aggregation notices are in the mail to Bluffton customers
- Nov. 13 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup
- Letter: What a fall for our Bluffton Pirates
Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Bluffton Middle School Honor Roll for 1st Quarter, 2026-2027
- Bluffton alumni to discuss lives and vocations in ministry
- Letter: Honoring 20 years of land preservation in West Central Ohio
- Prairie restoration research program on Nov. 20
- Bluffton Lions to hear presentation on humanitarian and disaster relief
- Separate the wheat from the chaff: Multi-ingredient botanicals for cholesterol
- Bluffton Council recap: $5,000 donated for Blaze lights installation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
- Beavers sports roundup, November 2-8
- Veterans invited to Bluffton American Legion programs on Veterans Day
- James Raymond Harrod, Jr., 64, was a PGA professional
- Nathan Ulrey, 46, served in the Navy Seabees
- Letter: Thank you, Coach Richards
- Big Brothers Big Sisters launches 2026 year-end giving campaign
- Socktober drive collected 659 pairs for local distribution
- Jeanne Previte, 80, owned and operated Jeanne's Kitchen
- Bluffton Elementary Honor Roll for 1st Quarter 2026-2027
- Lego scarecrow earns GROB top honors from voters
- Former Blufftonite is lieutenant governor-elect of South Carolina
- University to stage costume drama that mixes emotion, humor and contemporary references
- Bluffton High School Honor Roll for 1st quarter of 2026-2027
- Nov. 13 chamber program on Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities