Teen Bicyclist Dylan Straughn Dies After Hit-and-Run — Jehoshua Spence Indicted

Fifteen-year-old Dylan Straughn, a sophomore at Moeller High School, died on October 7 — two days after being struck by a car while riding his bike in Colerain Township. The hit-and-run sent shockwaves through his school and community.

This week, a grand jury handed down an indictment for 29-year-old Jehoshua Spence, accusing him of a felony count of failing to stop after a crash and a misdemeanor charge for driving under a suspended license due to lack of insurance.

According to court filings, the crash occurred in the early hours of October 5 near Colerain and Daly (Day) Road, where Dylan was riding his bicycle at the time. First responders found him unconscious but breathing near a guardrail by the Prince of Peace Church on Colerain Road. He was rushed to the hospital, where on October 7 his family confirmed he had succumbed to his injuries.

The following evening — nearly 24 hours after the crash — police located the vehicle involved, and investigators determined who was driving. Yet his identity remained undisclosed until this week’s indictment.

Spence was arrested Monday night and booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center with no bond. At his arraignment Wednesday morning, he pleaded not guilty. The court set bond at $10,000, requiring only 10% ($1,000) for possible release.

In statements following the tragedy, the teen’s family and his school painted a picture of a vibrant young man — involved in marching band, theater, volleyball, and known for kindness and promise. Community members living near the crash site echoed concerns over the area’s safety: narrow roads, poor lighting, lack of sidewalks and speeding vehicles — calling the stretch “dangerous” and “in need of speed bumps.”

A scheduling conference for the case is slated for December 19 before Christopher Wagner, the judge assigned. As the community mourns Dylan — and demands answers — many hope this indictment brings the first step toward justice.