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NEW INFO: No Grand Jury Indictment In Dragging Death; Autopsy Results Save Email Print
Posted: 11:25 AM May 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:25 AM May 8, 2008
 Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com
825 comments Photos
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THURSDAY 5/8 UPDATE

IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ)--A medical examiner could not determine the exact cause of death for the man found dead underneath an Ironton Police Car.

According to a published report, the Franklin County Deputy Coroner said autopsy results could not determine if Guy Thomas was dead or live when the police car made contact with him

Former Ironton Police Officer Rich Fouts found Thomas dead underneath his cruiser back March. Investigators said Thomas had been dragged 10 blocks under the car when was found dead.

According to the report, blood tests showed that Thomas has a blood alcohol lever of .33.
The report also says that Thomas had a bleeding injury to his tongue which the coroner says is consistent with a history of seizures.

The autopsy report also found that Thomas has numerous injuries to his body, some of which could have occurred prior to his death.

Earlier, investigators said there was no evidence that Thomas was hit by the police car. They said it was likely Thomas was lying in the road when the car made contact with him.

A Lawrence County Grand jury heard the case on Monday, but did not indict anyone.

Fouts resigned from the police department last month.

TUESDAY 5/6 UPDATE
IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- A Lawrence County, Ohio, grand jury has decided to not indict a former Ironton Police Officer accused in a dragging death.

Police say 45-year-old Guy Thomas was found dead underneath an Ironton, Ohio, police car back in March.

Investigators say Thomas had been dragged about 10 blocks before being found dead.

The officer involved in the incident, Rich Fouts resigned in early April.

We're told the grand jury met for about 4 hours on Monday, but did not find enough evidence to return an indictment.


CONTINUING COVERAGE
THURSDAY 4/10 UPDATE
IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The Ironton Police Chief announced Thursday that Rich Fouts has resigned from the police department.

Chief James Carey says Fouts turned in his letter of resignation on Wednesday. The resignation takes effect on Friday.

The chief also announced that back on March 25, Fouts' status with the department changed from administrative leave with pay to without pay.

Stay with WSAZ.com for the latest information.


FRIDAY 3/28 UPDATE
IRONTON,Ohio (WSAZ) -- A report in the Ironton newspaper says Guy Thomas likely died of asphyxiation.

Prosecutor J.B. Collier also told the paper that Thomas’s chest with crushed. Collier says a BCI investigator theorized that could have happened when the police cruiser pulled into the parking lot.

Lawrence County Prosecutor says he will turn the matter over to a grand jury that will determine what, if any charges will be filed against the driver of the cruiser, Patrolman Richard Fouts.

Fouts is on paid administrative leave.


MONDAY 3/24 UPDATE
The state investigation into this situation is now in the hands of the local prosecutor.

Prosecutor J.B. Collier says it make take weeks to get the blood work and medical history back on Guy Thomas.

The prosecutor says when the report is complete, he will present it to an independent grand jury and let them decide on a range of outcomes, from a possible charge of vehicular homicide to no fault at all.

WEDNESDAY 3/19 UPDATE

IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- The Ironton Ohio Police department announced Wednesday that drug and alcohol tests performed on Officer Richard Fouts were negative.

The press release from Chief Jim Casey also says that it's the understanding of the Ironton Police Department that the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) has completed its investigation and that the results will be turned over to the Lawrence County Prosecuting Attorney on Monday.


WEDNESDAY 3/12 - 11AM UPDATE

The Lawrence County, OH Coroner says preliminary autopsy results are inconclusive on the cause of death of an Ironton man.

46-year old Guy Thomas was found dead underneath an Ironton, OH police cruiser Saturday night. The autopsy was performed in Columbus, Oh on Tuesday.

Burton Payne told wasz.com that those results show there were no injuries consistent with an impact by the cruiser or by getting run over by a tire.

Payne also says there were burns on the body from the cruiser exhaust, and abrasions from the body being dragged.

The coroner says Mr. Thomas’ family told him the victim had a history of seizures.

Payne says results still are inconclusive to determine if Mr. Thomas was dead or alive when he came in contact with the cruiser.

He says there is some evidence that the burns on Mr. Thomas’ body happened after he was dead.

Payne says lab results and blood tests regarding any possibility of any intoxicants in Mr. Thomas’ body are still pending.

Also released today, a report from the Ohio Highway Patrol on their inspection of the police cruiser immediately following the accident.

Trooper John Canter wrote in that report that after he and other officers inspected the Ironton police cruiser they found “no visible damage to it. This included the front, both sides and rear. We found the dirt on the sides and rear of the vehicle didn’t appear to be disturbed. It was also found that the snow, ice and dirt on the front of the cruiser was not disturbed.”

During the inspection, officers also found “a small blue fiber attached to the underside of the push bumper, attached to the front bumper.” They said the fiber was on the right side of that push bumper.

Canter ended the report by saying that after he and other investigators discussed the lack of damage, they concurred the “pedestrian must have been down on the roadway and not standing or in a kneeling position when struck.”


MONDAY 3/10 - 2PM UPDATE

Ironton Police have released more information on the death of man hit by a city police cruiser Saturday night.

During a Monday afternoon press conference, Chief Jim Carey says the victim is 46-year old Guy Thomas of Ironton. Carey says the officer involved in the incident is 27-year old Patrolman Richard Fouts.

Carey says Fouts has been with the department for about 2 months. Fouts is currently on administrative leave with pay. The chief say Fouts came to Ironton from the Dayton-Xenia area.

Carey says the autopsy on Thomas’s body is scheduled for Tuesday morning. Right now, they do not know if Thomas was alive or dead when he was hit. His body was found under the rear bumper.

The chief says Thomas’s wife was told of her husband’s death several hours after the incident.


SUNDAY 3/9 - 6PM UPDATE

A family in Ironton is trying to cope tonight with the loss one of their relatives. They say he died when a police cruiser hit him as he walked across the street.

Right now, the Ohio Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case, but there are more questions than answers for family members of the victim.

"We can't even grieve for him, because we want his rights. He respected everybody, and he should be treated with dignity and respect."

LouVerne Miller says her nephew, Guy Thomas, was one block away from home when he was hit by a police officer driving to work.

"And why hasn't anyone told the family,” said Miller. “Why haven't we gotten a chance to go ID him? Usually, if there is a murder or anything, they want someone to ID a body."

Ironton police have not publicly identified the body, and the family says they have not heard from police.

"Even if it was an accident, tell the truth,” said Miller. “Just let us know what happened. I can't understand the suspense. All we want to know is what happened to him."

Leaving the family with questions, and picking up the pieces.

According to police, he was hit on 9th Street and Jefferson. His family found his wallet and a shoe on 7th Street and Washington, and police say he wasn't discovered until the officer reached the station on South 3rd Street.

"We had an Ironton Police officer in an Ironton cruiser, involved in a pedestrian fatality accident,” said Jim Carey, Ironton Police Chief. “It appears to just be an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian."

Leaving others concerned about what exactly happened…

"They haven't even come to talk to the family,” said John Sudderth, one of the victim’s family members. “What does that tell you? They haven't even come to the family. Are they trying to hide something? Come on forward and let the family know exactly what happened here."

A family…searching for answers and closure.

According to Google maps, the quickest distance from where Thomas was hit, to the police station, is just over half a mile.

Right now, Ironton Police Chief Jim Carey says an independent group is doing an investigation to try to figure out what happened. And the officer who Carey says was involved in the accident is on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.


ORIGINAL STORY

IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) -- Ironton's police chief tells WSAZ.com one of his officers hit a pedestrian.

A relative tells WSAZ the victim was Guy Thomas. He was 46 years old. The navy veteran was leaving the American Legion Saturday night when he got hit by the police car and dragged from 9th street to 7th street.

Police Chief Jim Carey tells WSAZ.com that they have not released the name of the victim. They have contacted the Ohio Bureau of Investigations and asked them to conduct an independent investigation.

We're told the Ironton officer involved will also be placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Stay tuned to NewsChannel 3 and WSAZ.com for more information.
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Posted by: WHITE on May 14, 2008 at 03:43 PM
YES I AM A WHITE GIRL,WHAT MR.FOUT DID HE SHOULD BE IN JAIL IF IT WAS ME AND I HIT SOME ONE THEY WOULD HAVE TAKEN ME STRAIGHT TO JAIL.
Posted by: Ashley on May 10, 2008 at 10:36 PM
WWWOOOOOOWWWW!!!!!!!!! What is wrong with you CHAD AND PABLO????????? You all are the most racist people i have ever saw write on here. How can u say "Thats what black people do when they don't get their way" You both must live out in the sticks and know nothing about society. It takes people like CLETUS to make a difference..so thank you to you!DO you think if a black person ran over a white person it would just be ok? No the white people would be saying the black person was out to get the white person and everyone knows it. They would be locked up in jail for murder!! It's just sad that it all has to come down to this. I have 2 beautiful mixed kids and it makes me sad to think this is what they are going to be facing in their lives to come..
Posted by: B DUB on May 10, 2008 at 09:08 AM
THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN A LITTLE RACIST TRI STATE,WHERE BLACKS ARE ALWAYS WRONG SEEN MY MY WHOLE LIFE.WHAT COP CONDUCTS TRAFFIC STOP WITH GUN IN HAND WHEN HE SEES YOUR BLACK.IT HAPPEN TO ME I COULD NOT BELIEVE IT.FOR JUST A TRAFFIC TICKET
Posted by: anon on May 10, 2008 at 06:17 AM
WHAT DOES RACE HAVE TO DO WITH IT!! IT DONT MATTER WHAT COLOR YOU ARE WE ARE ALL HUMAN BEINGS!! PEOPLE NEED TO GROW UP AND QUITTING THINKING EVERYTHING HAPPENS BECAUSE YOU ARE A CERTAIN RACE!!!! SH!* HAPPENS ITS A FACT OF LIFE EITHER DEAL WITH IT OR DONT SO FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT ARE RACIST GET OVER IT WE ARE ALL EQUAL!!!!!!
Posted by: To Chad: on May 9, 2008 at 10:49 PM
You are a racist idiot. You need to get over it, very few have mentioned race but you've been yelling it since the beginning. This family hasn't once made a race issue. And as for not getting "good cops", unfortunately the Ironton police department is the lowest paid police force in the state. Not very many "good cops" want to risk their lives for the pay they get here!
Posted by: Cletus on May 9, 2008 at 06:57 PM
I'm a white male and this is for Chad, I'm a professional, I don't live in the projects, I consider myself to have above average intelligence. My comment earlier still stands! I used to live in Ironton and I'm glad I did move out! Ironton has to be the most crooked town in the tri-state! All the politicians watch each others back along with the city officials. I wouldn't trust J.B. no further than I could throw him! It's not the "black folks" that have scared anyone off, it's the greedy city leaders and corrupt politicians that won't let progress come into this area because they'll lose government funding for being a oppressed city! I wonder where all that money goes? It sounds like "Chad" is the typical Lawrence County red neck that likes to blame all our country's problems on the black people! There's just as much "white trash" that stir up trouble than anyone! The black community would be the first to help anyone out if there was a need! Chad, get an education!
Posted by: me on May 9, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Im white..and this is for Chad....i think he should still get something out of dragggging the body.....how can you not know something is under your car....come on 10 blocks????????????? im sure you will nEER be a COP again.....he should never have an oppunity to be one..im sick of hearing some people talking bad about blacks they are just as good as white people......
Posted by: Pablo on May 9, 2008 at 03:29 PM
A few years back, on a rainy night, a dog ran out in front of me while I drove on the highway. I didn't know if I hit him or not, I kept on driving. About 20 miles later, after stopping to get gasoline, I was rounding my vehicle to enter the store to pay, and there, wedged under my bumper was the dog, approxmately all 80 lbs. of him. I had no idea the dog was stuck there all the miles I drove up the road. I don't know how this relates to our story here except to say, yes, something like what happened to the officer can happen. What is sad to me, after of course the death of a human being, is how some are trying to make this a race issue. Murder, rape, robbery can happen to 20 white persons by blacks and nothing is said. But let one white person look cross-eyed at a black person, and Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton will be rallaying the black community to make a race issue out of it. Since none of us sat on the grand jury, we will have to accept their word, no crime was committed.
Posted by: Chad on May 9, 2008 at 12:50 PM
People just won't accept what the grand jury decided. I knew the ignorant people in the projects wouldn't understand because they don't have the intelligence level to comprehend our legal system. I knew race would be made an issue because that is what black people like to do when they don't get their way. If you don't like how things are being handled in Ironton or Lawrence County, then get out. There are many people in this community that try to make this area a better place, and you people just keep bringing it down. We won't get any more good cops coming to Ironton because the black folk have scared them off.
Posted by: Debbie on May 9, 2008 at 11:41 AM
I wonder if the same test for alcohol were done that showed that one of the two policemen who hit a woman head on was drinking, and if so did they do more test to verify? You know the test that cleared the officer? Traumatic death can drastically skew blood alcohol content results. While I seriously doubt the officer did anything malicious or intentional, I don't understand how you don't hear or feel a thump when you hit something the size of a man. You certainly do when you hit a squirrel, even a turtle, the only 2 living things I've ever hit.
Posted by: Beth on May 9, 2008 at 10:52 AM
A Lawrence County, Ohio, grand jury has decided to not indict a former Ironton Police Officer accused in a dragging death. This decision made me ashamed to be an Ironton resident.
Posted by: Ashley on May 9, 2008 at 08:45 AM
How could you possibly not know if something was under your vehicle. Get real. If the man was lying in the road when the police 'ran over' him, wouldn't he have seen the man? Or was he not paying attention? I was just wondering. It doesn't make much sense to me.
Posted by: Ky. Family of Family on May 9, 2008 at 08:15 AM
The family doesn't even believe that Fouts intentionally hit Guy, they believe that part was an accident. What they do believe is that he knew and panicked, he should've stopped and not driven any further. That they could've eventually accepted. This they cannot, you will never convince anyone that Fouts did not know. Being a police officer makes him more accountable to his surroundings. Guy was a small man but he was certainly larger than a child, you would've seen him, a black man in dark clothing on a white snowy street! Not to mention Fouts only "smelled" something when he got out of the car and didn't check, although he had to walk over the blood trail?! Only looked back from the door and realized something was amiss then reported to his superior? UNBELIEVABLE! If you really know the family, ask them, they've been informed, they've seen pictures. Hope you all can rest at night, its still difficult for them. Peace and prayers to you family.
Posted by: wth on May 9, 2008 at 04:20 AM
OMG, when you hit a opossum it sounds like you wrecked, the cop may not be 100% responsible for his death but even if the man was dead before the car was started, how in the heck do you drag an adult human body under your car and not realize it?!! Maybe a few feet, but 10 blocks? It's not a cop thing either I have several in the family, however I do agree with most, if this would have been you're average Joe, they'd be in jail.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 9, 2008 at 01:03 AM
it is awful that this family had to lose their loved one and now they cant even get any justice. if it was me or you,we would been taken to jail still been there and been charged with involuntary manslaughter.its awful funny that when the cops, courts etc. are caught up in the system they always find a way out.yeah they up hold the law for me and you but if you go to any bar in ironton you will see off duty cops and etc. drinking and having a good time then get in their cars and drive away.they think they can get by with murder. oh i forgot they just did. no matter who you are if u are wrong you need to be punished.some people on here say he has to live with what he done.so do the people who are in jail now cops courts etc. should not be treated any different than you or i, but thats the way it is .guess if i want to do whatever i want all i have to do is wear a badge for a few hours a day. to bad the family cant have any closure,my heart goes out to them.
Posted by: Tommy on May 9, 2008 at 12:45 AM
The problem here is it was one of their own, thats why no one is being charged. Let an ordinary citizen have a deal like this (a body attatched to their car that was drug for 10 blocks)and you would have already been locked up.
Posted by: grp on May 9, 2008 at 12:37 AM
if this had been a white man or women hit by a black motorists they would be under the jail,being drunk had nothing to do withit!not hearin someone flop around under your car for 10 blocks is!!!
Posted by: tired of stupid people on May 8, 2008 at 11:32 PM
latisha pleeease!!!!! it has nothing to do with race quit your trouble stirring. i agree it was a crime but it had nothing to do with skin color it could have been a white man just the same take your race card elsewhere!!!!!!!
Posted by: Wonder if.... on May 8, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Drug Bust in Ironton netted drugs, money and last Name of two of them were Thomas. Any relation to GUY. American Legion must have known he had to many, AND was on med's. Someome should have took him home hours before this happened. I heard A L quit serving him because he was drunk.But no one will file a civil suit, if then it could be race issue. White man gets free, The A L Has to PAY. Ironton has CAB service that takes people/drunks home. BARS PLEASE CALL A CAB SO YOUR CUSTOMERS CAN GET HOME SAFE.
Posted by: rfelusive on May 8, 2008 at 08:17 PM
how the heck do you drag someone under a car and not notice.....was the cop to high from the confiscated drugs he got earlier or what...good lord how do you not know something like that...aaaa hey joe the car sounds funny...o its ok keep going your just high.....later at the bar...joe whats that man doing under your car...o he was drunk so its his fault...plus he had a seizier so again its his fault...who knew you could drag a body 10 blocks and not notice......in texas people go to death row for that.....im actully suprised noone is saying the cop is racict and thats why he drove around llokin for a drunk black man to drag under his car.......gimme a break
Posted by: Pam on May 8, 2008 at 08:15 PM
It may have been an accident, the cause of death may have been undeterminable, but how do you drag a body 10 blocks and not know it. Surely any reasonable person can see theres a problem with this.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 08:12 PM
why dont u post all comments? i have commented twice and have not had my comment posted . goes to show u their is no FREEDOM OF SPEACH. i will never comment again u have lost a faithful viewer
Posted by: Lee on May 8, 2008 at 06:07 PM
It does not matter if he was drunk, sober, black, white, yellow or green. IF it was some everyday Joe who dragged someone under their car then he would have ended up in prison for the rest of his life.
Posted by: Eli on May 8, 2008 at 04:31 PM
All you people that LOVE sucking up to the police make me want to hurl! They can do no wrong! And every last one of them are "Heroes". It makes me sick. I've been harrassed by cops my whole adult life. It seems that writing seat-belt tickets while packin heat is what it takes to be a hero. The family of this man got the shaft. And I'll bet anything Officer Fouts will be working some other P. D. before the summer kicks off. Cops are just a gang with badges. When one of thier own breaks the law, their fellow cops and friends in the system are there to make it all go away.I had hoped when this all came to light that a major news network would pick up the story and shine some light on the corrupt system we live with in Ironton. No such luck.
Posted by: ELM on May 8, 2008 at 04:23 PM
It is our belief that Guy deserves more than what has been listed here. While he was intoxicated, (at levels an alcoholic can carry and he did at other times)read the entire information given, there was also a probable seizure and it DOES NOT say that these were the causes of death, HE ASPHIXIATED and that still may mean that he died in the dragging. This has been a horrible ordeal for the family and while it may be over for you, its not over for the family. Guy died all over again with the results of the Grand Jury. We, the family, have had nothing against the police dept., they, in fact, have been nothing but good to us, as they too have been tramatized by this. Our frustration, hurt and anger have been directed only in the one officer involved and this insane situation. Pray for our peace and that Guy is resting in peace.
Posted by: concerned on May 8, 2008 at 04:16 PM
Just a thought, but maybe with this guy having injuries prior to the police car, and dragging, maybe somebody else could be responsible for his death. Maybe a fight or something, u know he was at a bar with high blood alcohol levels! U never know, well probably never will! Dont be so quick to blame the cop!
Posted by: Out of town Cousin on May 8, 2008 at 04:08 PM
Guy's family does not "owe" anyone an apology, certainly not the ex-officer. No matter how you want to view this, no matter how Guy died, Fouts was WRONG in his actions. There will be forever the question in Guy's family how he did not see Guy nor will anyone ever believe anything Fouts wants to come up with. The least there is is that Fouts was NOT an observant cop. The road conditions were not that bad, Guy did not die of hypothermia, he may or may not have died before the car drove over him, BUT he was still drug through the streets. AND there was evidence of asphxiation from his chest being crushed. This was more than an accident it is a horror movie. Not only does the cop get to live, he gets to walk free to "serve and protect" some other city or town (hopefully not mine!). Guy just gets to get trampled by the idiots on here after he's already died. Where's some real sympathy people?
Posted by: latisha on May 8, 2008 at 03:18 PM
i said a month ago that the cop would not get in trouble. ironton is like huntington, if you are black you are not getting justice. this proves my point. how a white cop can get paid for dragging a man and no charges is blowing my mind. ironton and huntington are the same when it comes to blacks and whites......UNFAIR!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 02:09 PM
I am sure that the officer went out that evening looking for a drunk man to run over with his car so he would feel pressured to leave his job and move his family away. PEOPLE NEED TO REALIZE THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND MOVE ON WITH THEIR LIVES.
Posted by: hmmm on May 8, 2008 at 02:05 PM
Sounds like a coverup to me.
Posted by: DDCJ on May 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM
This is really strange. Just doesn't make sense to me.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 12:40 PM
“It was dark out, the conditions were horrible. He (Thomas) was a small man, not a big person and the evidence clearly shows he was not struck with the vehicle. The grand jury considered the evidence - that there was no certain cause of death,” Collier said. “…There were icicles still on the grill (of the car) and winter road grime. There were no smudges, nothing broken on the front of the cruiser,” Collier said. this is from the ironton tribune. If the car didn't run over him then how did he get there?! This story is just bizzare. If anyone knows anything please come out to the family. I cannot imagine the pain they have had to go through
Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Drug Addict-you are ignorant and your name says it all
Posted by: Frank on May 8, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Does anyone on here honestly believe officer Fouts intentionally hit and killed Guy then dragged his body 10 blocks on purpose to a POLICE STATION. Why wouldn't he drag it somewhere to dump it? I know if I had intentionally done this, I would have dumped the body anywhere else but a POLICE STATION. Drunk-passed out or dead in the street- hooked by a cruiser and dragged 10 blocks. NOT intentional on anyone's part. An unfortunate accident that may or may not have cost Guy his life and definitely cost the officer his career. I am tired of those of you posting against anyone in authority over you. I hope one of these moon pie eating corrupt cops doesn't have to save your life one day. Idiots.
Posted by: DON on May 8, 2008 at 12:18 PM
IF YOU THINK THE COPS ARE BAD IN LAWRENCE CO. OHIO JUST COME ACROSS THE RIVER TO GREENUP COUNTY. HERE YOU ARE GUILTY UNTIL YOU PROVE YOUR INNOCENCE. IF YOUR A DRUG DEALER YOU HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR FROM THE COPS OVER HERE.DON'T WORRY EVEN THE JUDGES ARE ON THE TAKE.EVERYONE WITH ANY SENCE COULD TELL YOU HOW THIS WOULD PLAY OUT. THE COPS ALWAYS WIN!
Posted by: mod on May 8, 2008 at 10:48 AM
Glad I'm not the American Legion bartender. I feel a civil suit coming against Legion. Blood alcohol levels were over the top!!
Posted by: Drug Addict on May 8, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Fortunately, This is what happens ( No EVIDENCE) When A City has un-educated and poorly trained Law Enforcement. I pesonally would be willing to pay higher water bills in order to get our prosecutor and police officers trained. "Being Aware of your suroundings while operating a motor vehicle" is important part of police officers job. I would think! lol. I would suggest that all of our police officers go to OHIO BMV Motor vehicle training. Perhaps Ironton High School or AAA could provide it to the city for free. Or Better yet!@# LET ME SHOW THEM HOW TO OPERATE A MOTOR VEHICLE (UNDER THE INFLUENCE EVEN) Without hitting people and dragging them under a car.
Posted by: Karen on May 8, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Much respect given to "Law Enforcement". I know that there are bad cops just as there are bad lawyers, doctors, teachers and such. That wasn't the case with this. This was just a bizarre accident. Does anyone ever think about the good that the officers do? No, everyone wants to nit pick the things they believe are bad. Just as some others have said, if you don't like the police and you think they are all bad, then get down from your mighty horse, go to the training and YOU try and make this world a better place. All I can say is good luck, the pay sucks and respect is none. The death was horrible whether it was caused by alcohol or the cruiser. Two families are in turmoil over this. Let each grieve and deal with it. Placing blame on the officer or the judicial system WILL NOT bring Thomas back. Like the autopsy stated, it is unknown whether the death occured before or after. How would you feel about the case if he had died before hand? Is it IPD's fault also?
Posted by: Anonymous on May 8, 2008 at 09:18 AM
this story is so sad.. i wish they would find some anwser to this.. and let everyone know cause people care!!!rest in peace
Posted by: Lance on May 8, 2008 at 07:51 AM
It is obvious that the majority of the posters are ignorant. They all want to throw in the race card. It was an accident pure and simple. The jury has made a decision now move on. If you think you can do better as a police officer get off your computer and go to the academy. If not then just shut up about the situation. Some people are just born to stir the pot. Get a job and move on.
Posted by: Law Enforcement on May 8, 2008 at 01:41 AM
If anyone would like a job please feel free to go to the training that we have to go through. many of you want to lay blame but road conditions and everything else has to play in. i have been on some bumpy snowy roads and i ask you have you every felt something and decided it was nothng and keep going. again if you want the job you can have it, just be willing to lay your life on the line every day
Posted by: Phil on May 7, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Mr Thomas was close to 4x the legal limit of being a drunk.Was he a habitual drunkard?If so his family should have helped him.It is not a white/black,citizen/cop issue.It was an accident as evidence showed.One life is gone and I think everyone who treated Mr Fouts with such hatred to the point he is no longer working as a cop owe him an apology.His name has been tarnished forever.Enough
Posted by: tired of ignorance on May 7, 2008 at 09:38 PM
If you don't like the cops in Law. Co. MOVE!! Anything for ignorant people to hate and cause trouble. If you think things are mishandled, get the training and join in. The world can always use cops. There aren't many stupid enough to take this job. Doing this job is like being in a fishbowl, every one sees what you do wrong, even while they're doing the same thing. Just remember if your house is getting broken into don't call them!! How about we all come together, and show the community LOVE instead of HATE!!! Come on people we're all better than this. GOD BLESS ALL!!
Posted by: victim on May 7, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Wow,these highly trained police make another "mistake".If this was commited by a peasant,I mean citizen you can bet they would be incarcerated.Oh,by the way the police are looking for a raise.
Posted by: Sara Jo on May 7, 2008 at 07:22 PM
So maybe the rumor that Guy was trying to steal the catalytic converter is true and Guy was under the car when Fouts got in - however the cover up by the IPD - taking the body to the funeral home (thank goodness the funeral director refused the body) shows they were really trying to hide something - remember - the truth will prevail - Ironton - keep cool.
Posted by: Lets Do Something Positive on May 7, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Has anybody put any thought into helping remember Guy with a float in this years Memorial Day Parade? Time is short - we would need a trailer that can be used for a few weeks to decorate it along with a garage or place to store it while working on it. Would need some cash to buy materials also - Anybody feel like doing something positive in this town to help ?? Reply with ideas and suggestions and offers to help - email address is - bornandraisedironton@yahoo.com
Posted by: b dub on May 7, 2008 at 04:10 PM
want to kill someone bring them here the moonpie eating cops and jb will make sure you are never found out.provided the sheriff cruiser wonr run over you going 80/90 mph with no warning lights on,or knock you in the river and use a stun gun on you.what a bunch of thugs and croocks.good ole boy network,this place needs cleaned up.as bad as sandusky ohio at least they fire there bad cop with the help of the stricklin. cops after dark be carefull,oh and dont tell me to leave here either i pay taxs just like you how come the water bill is so screwy.thugs pimps hoes,crooks sluts thats all you have here
Posted by: Karen on May 7, 2008 at 03:13 PM
For all the people on here yelling cover up and the how do you not know, please go to the Ironton Tribunes website and read what Fouts had to say and all the logistics about the autopsy and crime scene. Fouts said he noticed something different with his car. He didn't know it was a body! If he had then he would have pulled over. I'm not placing blame on Thomas but look at what his Alcohol level was in his body?! He could have passed out and died from hitting his head. The reports were inconclusive on if he was dead before or after the car dragged him. If this happened to anyone of you critics out there then you would be pleading your case for someone to help you. Just because Fouts was an officer you want to put him in the electric chair. If Thomas was dead before hand does that mean that you should charge the Legion with murder for giving him the drinks? Or is it the county for having the road to hard? It was a horrible accident, nothing more. Please leave these families to heal
Posted by: Cletus on May 7, 2008 at 03:01 PM
This is a sad story. But everyone who lives or has lived in Ironton knows how the system works. Whether a poor soul is drug 10 blocks or someone has been laid on the railroad tracks, when it comes to politics J.B. is going to look out for his own! So many crimes in Ironton over the years and everyone in Ironton knows who has done what, yet no one is ever convicted because most of them has been committed by someone involved in politics and taken care of by J.B.! One day he will stand before the righteous judge and be accountable for all he has done along with his croonies!
Posted by: tom on May 7, 2008 at 02:27 PM
put me on the jury
Posted by: Anonymous on May 7, 2008 at 01:42 PM
i knew he would get off so easy just goes to show ya you can't count on the cops for anything..they think just cuz they wear a badge they can get away with murder..and it wouldn't matter if he was on the phone or not come on your gonna know you hit something and if he was on the phone then he should not have been that's why people should be banned from usin a cell phone while driving
Posted by: Just ME on May 7, 2008 at 01:26 PM
Was in Ironton the night this happened. Saw the emergency vehicles and did not know what happened at that time. But. Ironton had not attempted to clean any ice or snow off of their roads. Lumps and bumps could be felt as you rolled over the streets. If a piece of clothing was caught under the vehicle, the body would have slid right along. How did the body get on the ground in the first place. I can see how the cop had no idea. We may never know what happened but there was no evidence that he was struck by the vehicle..he had blood alcohol of .33 sadly he could have put himself under there. The family will never forget this and you can bet the cop does not sleep well at night either. If the investigators say it was a tragic accident then I am inclined to believe.
Posted by: IRONTON LADY on May 7, 2008 at 11:33 AM
WELL, THIS MIGHT BE A CLOSE FOR SOME. BUT FOR OTHERS, I AM SO AFRAID THAT THIS THING IS NOW A "KETTLE OF WORMS". AS A WHITE LADY IN IRONTON, I TRY TO GET ALONG WITH ALL PEOPLE AND RACES. I JUST HOPE THAT SOME KNOW HOW TO CONTROL THEIR TEMPERS AND DON'T BLAME THE INNOCENT RESIDENTS OR BYSTANDERS. WE MIGHT NOT HAVE MUCH IN IRONTON, BUT OUR PEOPLE IS ALL WE HAVE NOW. JUST BECAUSE ONE MESSES UP, DOESN'T MEAN THE REST OF US ARE LIKE THAT. MAY GOD BLESS THE THOMAS FAMILY AND I AM TRULY SORRY FOR THE MISFORTUNE THAT HAS HAPPENED, AS I AM SURE LOTS OF OTHER RESIDENTS ARE SORRY AS WELL.
Posted by: rolyan on May 7, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Another miscarriage of justice. It seems that no matter what misdeed law enforcement does in the tri-state area they get away with it.
Posted by: Drug Addict on May 7, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Im glad to know now that by saying "I DIDNT KNOW" is the best defense in IRONTON. If u Rob, Sell Drugs, Kill Someone, or Run over someone and drag them till they die ..... Just tell the Prosecutor - "YOU DIDNT KNOW"! Works everytime in Lawrence County.!
Posted by: Robert on May 7, 2008 at 09:47 AM
Best way to kill this comment section is to respond.
Posted by: Justice? What Justice? on May 7, 2008 at 09:32 AM
GO FIGURE!!!!!!! If it was anyone besides a Law enforcement or Public Official they would've gotten life.... Our Legal System in Law. Co. is the MOST PITIFUL when it comes to this kind of matter.. I betcha one thing, if the average Joe was walking down 3rd St. and was Intoxicated he'd do 30-60 days in the County!!!! WHAT A JOKE!!!! And to think, these people get paid to "Represent" our Community.. Maybe a little "National Media Attention" on how we operate in Ironton could help out!!!!!
Posted by: RR on May 7, 2008 at 09:18 AM
I live in the city of Ironton, and I am truely amazed that the grand jury could not see the evidence set before them. A man, hit by a car, even though it may have been an accident, was DRAGGED for 10 blocks. Officer Fouts had thought he hit something, yet FAILED to stop and check. Mr. Thomas, according to the coroner's report, had died of suffication and the final cause, as I understand, was his chest being crushed, as the officer was entering into the police station. This says to me, that Mr. Thomas was ALIVE during this tragic ordeal. If anything Officer Fouts should at least be held NEGLIGENT in his duties. If it had been any other citizen in Ironton guilty of the same crime, they would have been in jail and awaiting a trial date. I personally know the family, and I am truly sorry that this is happening. They know my prayers are with them, and I pray that Fouts and the entire unit seek the Lord and his direction, not only in this situation but in their everyday lives.
Posted by: Donna on May 7, 2008 at 07:46 AM
I DON'T UNDERSTAND! How can someone not know, That there is something LET ALONE A BODY underneath your vehichle!...I had a stick under my car the other day and heard it! COME ON.....Something AIN'T RIGHT HERE!
Posted by: joe on May 7, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I am sorry, I do not believe that the officer purposely ran over the man. Did they check his cell phone records to see it he was talking on the phone? I have observed some people on the highway flapping on their cell phones oblivious to their surroundings..
Posted by: BIRDEYE on May 7, 2008 at 06:45 AM
I SAID FROM DAY 1 NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN TO MR.FOUT, YOU HAVE JB COLLIER TO THANK. THIS IS A BIG COVER UP. I ALWAYS SAID CASE CLOSED IT WAS IN COLLIER HANDS, HE GOT ALL THE PULL.
Posted by: Hey Lynn on May 7, 2008 at 06:36 AM
To bad just his name was drug through the mud. Could have been worse his body could have been drug for 10 blocks.
Posted by: ELM on May 7, 2008 at 06:02 AM
You have all missed the point, it doesn't matter WHY Guy was on the ground, what matters is that an officer of the law, Richard Fouts, SAYS he did NOT see him, ran over him and drug him 10 blocks. The Grand Jury chose not to indict him on vehicular homicide charges but it doesn't change what Fouts did. He is a lucky fellow today. Hope, though, he never forgets what he did, it was horrific and WRONG! He was negligent, and obviously not a very observant cop. Yes, I'm angry, Guy's family will probably all be angry and I know all hurt. This is like burying him all over again.
Posted by: Tracy on May 7, 2008 at 05:36 AM
to the family: try and be consoled knowing God is in charge here and come judgement day, if officer fouts meant to do this he will pay then worse than he ever could here! Guy is in the loving hands of God now, walking streets of gold!! so when the pain is more than you can bear, look to heaven and remember Guy is in a better place than you are and you can be there with him someday if you just believe and ask God to come into your heart.in John 10:9, the Lord said "I am the door". if you knock, He will let you in!God Bless
Posted by: Just Me on May 7, 2008 at 02:49 AM
Does this really shock anyone? I saw this coming from day one.
Posted by: concerned on May 7, 2008 at 02:21 AM
I am very sorry for every one involved and may god help take the berdon off both familys.i do not under stand how someone could drive 10 blocks down the street and not know that someone was under the car.but it is not for me to judge i just hope that the city will do something to help the family with there loss.and since nobody knows what really happened in this case.
Posted by: Chad on May 7, 2008 at 01:13 AM
Here are a lot more details http://www.irontontribune.com/articles/2008/05/06/news/local001.txt Now that the facts are out and the grand jury has made its decision, hopefully our community can heal.
Posted by: T on May 6, 2008 at 11:35 PM
RUTH ANN, THE B.A. IN HIS SYSTEM WAS .33 SO TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE, YA WAS WRONG. DUH? SOME PEOPLE DONT KNOW WHAT THEY IZ SAY'N
Posted by: kowvus on May 6, 2008 at 11:24 PM
If you want to kill someone, do it in Ironton...There have been many killings in this town that have gone unsolved...
Posted by: 0000 on May 6, 2008 at 10:50 PM
Lets be smart people....Dont take this out on the officers that were not involved.
Posted by: Ruth Ann on May 6, 2008 at 10:06 PM
First, to my knowledge the guy that was hit and no drugs or alchol in his system. Why he was on the ground, I'm not sure. Second, I don't care who you are, you can't tell me that you wouldn't know if you were dragging something under you car. I hate to say it but some people seem to be able to get by with murder.
Posted by: pam on May 6, 2008 at 08:13 PM
Its sad, that this turned out to be a race issue when its clearly not. If so what happened abt the white guy that was ran over for stoping a robbery by black men.? nothing was said it was clear that was intentional.however. we are all human, if we cut each other dont we have the same blood the color of our skin is not important, its what is in side. there is good and bad in both races... may god show the love that is due all...
Posted by: gene on May 6, 2008 at 07:16 PM
just goes to prove the police are above the law
Posted by: Anonymous on May 6, 2008 at 06:02 PM
That is horrible. Looks as if its ok to kill people around here!
Posted by: T on May 6, 2008 at 05:53 PM
May Mr. Thomas and everyone else R.I.P. Let's let it rest.......
Posted by: Conway Twitty on May 6, 2008 at 05:04 PM
The Grand Jury has spoken ...like it or not. sooo... gt over it. Our Judicial system may not be the best but it is all we've got
Posted by: samm on May 6, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Im so glad this is fianally over and the families can move on. Its a shame the officer resigned but I do understand why he did. My prayers are with both families and I hope the officer can have a good life where ever he lives and I hope the family of the deceased can put this behind them and know it was Gods will and no one is to be blamed for it.
Posted by: NO_EVIDENCE on May 6, 2008 at 04:03 PM
This result was called along time ago. The jury had no evidence! WOW. -------------------------------- Why cant lawrence county send someone to school to learn about evidence. and its importance. ----------------------------------------- 9 out of 10 times - thats what we hear. "No Evidence" or "not enough evidence" ----------------------------------------- Lawrence County Prosecutors office is the best in the state. lol.
Posted by: Lynn on May 6, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Well, I think we can all agree the right thing was done here. Unfortunately, this young mans name has been drug through the mud for a "crime" that was never committed. Hard to believe that someones life can be ruined because another had an unfortunate accident.
Posted by: Status_Quo on Apr 30, 2008 at 10:27 AM
I actually don't have anything else to say on this. I need to clarify one thing I posted before though. I don't "believe" that there is rampant corruption in the county. Just some uncertainty, but I couldn't make an argument for it. This situation impacted me st