CINCINNATI – The man who caused a seven-car crash and ran naked down I-71 last August was sentenced to 10 years in prison Friday. He was also banned from driving for life.
Tracy Martin, 45, of Cleveland, sped down the left shoulder of I-71 south near I-275 in Blue Ash, sideswiping four cars and rear-ending a fifth with the pickup truck he was driving, troopers said at the time. His truck then hit the median, flipped and slammed into another vehicle. Six people, including Martin, were injured in the collisions.
Martin then got out of his wrecked truck and ran away. Witnesses said he ignored offers of clothes and shoes as he ran by cars on the highway. Police said it appeared he hadn’t brought any clothes with him.
He ran for nearly a mile before police caught him. It took several officers, including an off-duty state trooper, to stop Martin.
Police said they suspected Martin may have been under the influence of drugs. He then tested positive for marijuana and PCP.
Martin pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated vehicular assault and two counts of vehicular assault. In court Wednesday, his attorneys said the plea signified that Martin was aware that what he did was wrong and is sorry for his actions. Martin briefly addressed the court and apologized to the victims.
