A GlenOak High School social studies teacher is facing felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a crash that seriously injured another driver.
Benjamin M. Hughes, 41, was charged with aggravated vehicular assault, operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVI), and child endangerment in connection with a Jan. 11 collision in Perry Township, according to police. His 7-year-old son was in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Authorities say Hughes had a blood-alcohol content of 0.281%, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%, when he ran a stop sign at Genoa Avenue SW and Navarre Road. His 2020 Ford F-150 struck a 2022 Jeep Cherokee, then continued forward, hitting a fence and a tree before stopping, police said.
The Jeep’s 27-year-old passenger suffered a fractured spine and other severe injuries and was hospitalized for several days at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital. Hughes and the Jeep’s driver were taken to Aultman Hospital in Canton for treatment. His son, who was properly restrained in the back seat, was also transported to Aultman for evaluation.
Hughes has been placed on paid leave while the case is pending, according to Plain Local Schools.
