Man Arrested After Two-Vehicle Crash In Madison That Killed A 17-Year-Old

Press release from the City of Nashville:

March 10 2021

Crash investigators this afternoon charged Richard Charles Griffin II, 40, with 3rd offense DUI, aggravated assault involving death, aggravated assault involving serious injury and marijuana possession in connection with today’s 11:40 a.m. two-vehicle crash on State Route 45 at Rio Vista Drive that killed Ameria Johnson, 17, of Madison.

Griffin, of Hermitage, was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe east on State Route 45 when a 1996 westbound Toyota Corolla attempted a left turn onto Rio Vista Drive and pulled into the Tahoe’s path. Johnson, the passenger in the Corolla, was killed when the Tahoe hit her side of the vehicle. The driver of the Corolla, Omar Mitchell Jr., 18, of Madison, was seriously injured and transported to Skyline Medical Center.

Griffin refused medical treatment. He showed indicators of impairment and admitted to drinking and smoking marijuana prior to the collision. Approximately four grams of marijuana were found in his pocket. A blood sample from Griffin will be tested for alcohol and drug content.

Mitchell, who failed to yield the right of way to the Tahoe, had a learner’s permit and was not lawfully operating the Corolla due to the absence of a licensed driver. Charges against Mitchell are pending the completed investigation and discussion with the District Attorney’s Office.

This press release was produced by the City of Nashville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.