81-year-old woman who drove into Canton building charged in man’s death

An 81-year-old woman is charged with vehicular homicide and manslaughter in connection with a crash that killed a 69-year-old grandfather.

Jackson Township police said Barbara J. O’Donnell was driving into Angello’s 2 Go pizza shop on Oct. 4 when she accidentally stepped on the gas pedal of her car instead of the brake pedal.

O’Donnell is also charged with operating a vehicle without reasonable control, a petty misdemeanor.

The charges come a day after News 5 investigators revealed how a lack of regulation for older drivers is having serious and fatal consequences on our roadways.

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The crash killed 69-year-old Andrew Grosschmidt, who was standing at the restaurant’s counter when O’Donnell accidentally drove her vehicle through the front of the business, according to the police report.

Vehicular homicide is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Vehicular manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine.

O’Donnell is scheduled to appear in court at 8:45 a.m. on Dec. 2 in Massillon Municipal Court