A 39-year-old Ohio man is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly striking and killing a pedestrian who was pulling a trash can, then forcing a 15-year-old passenger to take the driver’s seat to cover up the hit-and-run. Tyler S. Dowler was taken into custody and charged in connection with the death of Darryl Moore, according to court records and police affidavits.
Background
The incident occurred on Sept. 4 around 11 p.m. on Ridge Road near N. Limestone Street in Springfield, Ohio. Officers with the Springfield Police Division responded to reports of a man lying motionless in the road. The victim, identified as Darryl Moore, was transported to Springfield Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Surveillance footage allegedly captured the moments before the crash, showing Moore walking south on N. Limestone Street while pulling a wheeled trash can. As he entered an unmarked crosswalk on Ridge Road, a light-colored Chevrolet Tahoe turned east from N. Limestone Street. The affidavit states that the SUV struck Moore about halfway across the road, knocking him to the pavement, dragging him several feet, and running over him with both the front and rear wheels before speeding away.
Investigators recovered debris consistent with a Chevrolet vehicle at the scene. Approximately 10 minutes after the crash, the owner of the Tahoe contacted police. She identified Dowler as the possible driver, stating that she and Dowler had been together earlier that evening and that he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol. She described him as highly intoxicated and noted that he left the Villa Road area in her vehicle without her permission.
The Investigation
After the SUV owner contacted police, a friend called Dowler. According to the probable cause affidavit, Dowler answered and told the friend, "I can't talk right now, I just f—ed up." Just before 1 a.m., an Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper located and stopped the Tahoe. At the time of the stop, a 15-year-old was behind the wheel, while Dowler was seated in the front passenger seat.
Investigators later established that the teenager had been with his grandmother at the time of the crash. It appears that after the accident, Dowler and the teen returned to the vehicle, which was subsequently pulled over. When questioned by police, Dowler admitted to drinking in the Villa Road area but denied recalling the Tahoe being involved in a crash. He repeatedly claimed he had only been a passenger.
Police developed probable cause that Dowler was the driver based on surveillance footage, physical evidence, camera data, witness statements, Dowler’s unauthorized possession of the Tahoe, his level of intoxication, the teenager’s corroborated whereabouts, and Dowler’s statements following the incident.
The Charges
Tyler S. Dowler has been charged with one count of aggravated vehicular manslaughter with alcohol and one count of vehicular homicide. These charges stem from the death of Darryl Moore. Dowler was booked into the Clark County Jail, where he is being held without bond.
Key Takeaways
- Tyler S. Dowler, 39, is charged with aggravated vehicular manslaughter with alcohol and vehicular homicide.
- The victim, Darryl Moore, was allegedly struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe while pulling a trash can in an unmarked crosswalk.
- Surveillance footage allegedly shows the SUV dragging the victim and running him over with both front and rear wheels before fleeing.
- Dowler allegedly forced a 15-year-old passenger to drive the vehicle after the crash to conceal his own intoxication and involvement.
- The Tahoe’s owner reported that Dowler took the vehicle without permission after becoming highly intoxicated.
- Dowler told a friend, "I can't talk right now, I just f—ed up," shortly after the incident.
- Police held Dowler without bond in Clark County Jail, citing probable cause based on physical and digital evidence.
What's Next
Dowler remains in custody without bond. It was not immediately clear when he is scheduled to appear in court for further proceedings. The investigation into the hit-and-run remains closed, with authorities relying on the established probable cause to move forward with prosecution.
Editorial Note
This case highlights the severe legal consequences of hit-and-run incidents involving intoxicated drivers who attempt to shift blame to minors. The corroborating evidence, including surveillance video and the driver’s own admissions, provides a strong foundation for the charges filed.