Suspected drunk driver struck vehicle, fled scene on foot in Ross Twp.

The suspect later reported car stolen.
Zachary Taylor Willis, 32, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony, and misdemeanor charges of obstructing official business, inducing panic, resisting arrest and driving while under the influence of alcohol, according to police. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/STAFF

Credit: Michael D. Pitman

Credit: Michael D. Pitman

Zachary Taylor Willis, 32, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony, and misdemeanor charges of obstructing official business, inducing panic, resisting arrest and driving while under the influence of alcohol, according to police. MICHAEL D. PITMAN/STAFF
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A suspected drunk driver has been charged in Butler County after allegedly striking another vehicle and fleeing the scene, according to a release from Ross Twp. Police Department.

Zachary Taylor Willis, 32, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault, a third-degree felony, and misdemeanor charges of obstructing official business, inducing panic, resisting arrest and driving while under the influence of alcohol, according to police.

Willis allegedly struck another vehicle 5:30 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Hamilton Cleves Pike Road and U.S. Route 27, according to Ross Twp. police.

He allegedly fled the scene on foot, according to police.

Zachary Taylor Willis, 32, allegedly struck another vehicle and fled the scene Friday evening in Ross Twp. BUTLER COUNTY JAIL

Credit: Butler County Jail

icon to expand image

Credit: Butler County Jail

The driver of the other vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Willis reportedly called Butler County Dispatch to report his vehicle, a 2003 black Ford Expedition, stolen, according to police.

A search was conducted in the area of the crash, and it was discovered Willis had been picked up by another driver and transported to Good Samaritan Western Ridge Hospital in Green Twp. for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers located Willis at the hospital and arrested him.

He is being held in Butler County Jail on a $35,000 bond, according to the jail site.

Additional charges may be added at Grand Jury, according to police.

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About the Author

Bryn Dippold joined the Journal-News staff in March 2025 and primarily covers the city of Middletown. Previously, she was associate editor for Cincy Magazine and worked as freelance copyeditor for Cincinnati CityBeat. She has had bylines in Cincinnati Magazine, The News Record and UC News.