TOLEDO, Ohio – On the evening of Sept. 9, 2026, Judy Tanner, a 20‑year‑old Dollar Tree employee, was killed while using the crosswalk on Glendale Avenue near the Oak Hill Apartments. According to police reports, a driver turning left out of a nearby shopping plaza struck her. The driver, who was reportedly distracted by his autistic son, failed to see Tanner despite the walk signal being active.
Details of the crash
Tanner left her shift at the Dollar Tree store just before 6 p.m. and began walking toward the Oak Hill Apartments across the street. Surveillance footage captured the moment the SUV entered the crosswalk, trapping Tanner beneath the vehicle. She was rushed to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries.
Legal action taken
Judy’s mother, Cindy Barnes, who resides out of state, filed a wrongful‑death lawsuit against the driver on Nov. 10, seeking $75,000 in damages. Barnes said she wants answers as to why no criminal charges have been filed despite clear video evidence. “There are cameras all over that place. If they can see what happened, why is she still walking around?” Barnes asked.
In the lawsuit, Barnes alleges negligence on the part of the driver, pointing to a documented history of traffic violations. Records show the driver was convicted of driving without a license in 2024, and again in 2025, along with multiple citations for speeding, expired tags and the use of counterfeit plates. Many of those cases resulted in small fines or were dismissed, but the pattern raises concerns about public safety.
Community response
Local residents expressed sorrow and frustration over the incident. “Judy was one of my favorite people in the world — so sweet and so caring,” Barnes said, describing her daughter. “She is a human being, and she deserves better than that.” Barnes emphasized her desire for the driver to face consequences, stating, “I really want the lady to feel bad for what she did. I want them to get her some kind of justice and not just leave her on the sidelines.”
The Toledo Police Department confirmed that the driver has been interviewed but has not been charged at this time. Authorities indicated the investigation remains ongoing, and they have not ruled out future criminal action pending further review of the evidence.
What this means for traffic safety
The case highlights ongoing concerns about distracted driving and the enforcement of traffic laws in the Toledo area. Advocates for road safety stress the importance of strict penalties for repeat offenders, especially those with a history of driving without a license or using fraudulent plates. Community leaders are urging local officials to consider additional measures, such as increased patrols near high‑traffic pedestrian crossings and public awareness campaigns about the dangers of distracted driving.
As the lawsuit proceeds, the Tanner family hopes the legal process will bring both accountability and a measure of closure. The outcome may also prompt a broader discussion on how the city addresses repeat traffic violations and protects pedestrians on busy streets.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
