Richard Medina Injured in Middletown Bicycle Accident
The 13-year-old bicyclist was struck by an impaired driver who fled the scene on Breiel Boulevard
Key Facts Victim: Richard "Alex" Medina, 13 Location: Breiel Boulevard at Lefferson Road, Middletown, Ohio Date: April 10 Type: Bicycle accident / Hit-and-run Agency: Middletown Police Department Status: Victim critically injured; suspect arrested
Richard Medina, 13, of Middletown, was critically injured in a hit-and-run bicycle accident at Breiel Boulevard and Lefferson Road in Middletown, Ohio, on April 10, according to police.
Thomas Harris, 35, of Dayton, faces charges of aggravated vehicular assault, operating a vehicle impaired and fleeing the scene. Officers located the suspect's vehicle on Town Boulevard near a grocery store shortly after the collision.
Court records indicate the driver exhibited bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and balance issues during the traffic stop. He is currently being held on a $110,000 bond.
The teenager suffered multiple skull fractures and was airlifted to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. He spent 17 days receiving treatment before returning home to begin extensive physical, occupational and speech therapy.
According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, the state recorded 1,337 bicycle accidents in 2024, with many resulting in serious, life-altering injuries.
When a child is severely hurt by an impaired driver who flees the scene, parents are thrust into a nightmare of medical decisions and uncertainty. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence. Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have been injured at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation they deserve."
How do investigators build a DUI hit-and-run case on Breiel Boulevard?
Detectives rely on witness descriptions, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and physical evidence left at the intersection to track down fleeing drivers. In this crash, a witness description helped officers locate the suspect's vehicle shortly after the impact.
What challenges do families face after a severe bicycle collision?
While the criminal justice system prosecutes the at-fault driver, families must simultaneously handle the civil system to cover mounting medical bills and long-term rehabilitation costs. Insurance adjusters often attempt to contact families before the full scope of a child's traumatic brain injury is understood. National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure they are treated respectfully and compensated fairly."
Establishing liability early ensures that the injured minor's rights are protected as they undergo extensive therapy.
Ohio personal injury framework
Ohio follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system. The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Damages include economic and non-economic losses.