Ohio Woman Accused of Killing Man She Hit and Dragged 300 Feet After Kroger Parking Lot Fender-Bender
WESTERVILLE, OHIO — What began as a minor fender-bender outside a Kroger grocery store turned deadly when an Ohio woman allegedly fled the scene, struck the other driver, and dragged him more than 300 feet before he died from his injuries.
Police say 34-year-old Danielle Henry is now behind bars on aggravated vehicular homicide and involuntary manslaughter charges after the shocking incident that left 53-year-old Ibrahim Diakite dead.
Crash in Grocery Store Parking Lot Turns Fatal
The deadly confrontation unfolded around October 22 in the Kroger parking lot in Westerville, a Columbus suburb, according to court records obtained by WBNS-TV.
Authorities say Henry and Diakite were involved in a minor crash in the lot. Instead of exchanging information, Henry allegedly fled the scene, prompting Diakite to follow her in his own car.
He caught up to her at a nearby intersection, where both vehicles stopped at a red light.
Victim Tried to Stop Her From Leaving — Then Was Run Over
Investigators say Diakite got out of his car and stood in front of Henry’s vehicle, trying to block her from driving off again.
When she accelerated, Diakite reportedly jumped onto the hood in an attempt to stop her. But police say Henry hit the gas, reaching speeds of 45 mph, which caused the man to fly off and hit the pavement.
Rather than stopping, Henry allegedly ran him over and dragged his body between 300 and 600 feet down the road.
Diakite was rushed to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Suspect Arrested and Denied Bond
Westerville police arrested Henry on Saturday, charging her with:
- Aggravated vehicular homicide
- Involuntary manslaughter
- Hit-skip (hit-and-run) on private property
- Failure to comply with a police order
- Plus seven additional misdemeanors
She was arraigned Monday and ordered held without bond at the James Carnes Corrections Center in Franklin County.
Her next court hearing is scheduled for November 4.
Community Shocked by Deadly Escalation
Residents of the quiet Westerville suburb expressed disbelief that a routine parking lot fender-bender could escalate into such a violent and senseless death.
Authorities said the case serves as a reminder that road rage and emotional outbursts can turn deadly in seconds.
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