Mask Tasing Plea Rejected, Child Shooting Death, Bank Car Crash

MARIETTA, OH — Good morning Marietta. We have some interesting news you should probably know about going into this weekend.

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Marietta woman who refused mask is refusing plea deal: In September, a video of Alecia Kitts getting tased at a middle school football game went viral. She had refused to wear a mask, refused to leave, was tased, and charged with resisting arrest/criminal trespass. Jesse Wharff, Phyllis Smith, and Zach Shrivers of WTAP report that this week, she rejected a plea deal in Hocking County court. Had she taken the deal, she would have had a very light penalty. Alecia Kitts appears to be gearing up for a jury trial.

Fourteen-year-old charged in the death of a child: Samantha Cavalli of WTAP reports that 14-year-old Mason Platt of Nelsonville is facing reckless homicide charges. Athens County prosecutors say last week Platt killed 11-year-old Eli Spangler by playing with a firearm. He's facing charges in juvenile court, but the case remains under investigation. A hearing is scheduled for Tuesday.

Dime Bank car crash: Jacob Krantz of WMOA reports that yesterday a car crashed into Marietta's Dime Bank at the intersection of Second and Putnam. He says a white Lincoln Town Car careened through a flashing red light and hit a Chevy. After it hit the Chevy it went off the road, jumped a curb, and slammed into the building. The driver of the Lincoln was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, it isn't known if charges are pending.

Masks aren't mandatory for the fully vaccinated: Yesterday Governor Mike DeWine's press secretary explained that while most COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted next month, there are some changes before then. Zachary Rogers of WKRC reports that anyone who is fully vaccinated is no longer required to wear a mask unless they are in designated areas like airplanes, busses, businesses, or municipalities that still require masks. This does not apply to unvaccinated Ohioans. Starting June 2nd, masks will be voluntary for all Ohioans, unless they are in specifically designated areas that still require masks.

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