Police have arrested a 37-year-old Marion man in connection with a deadly motorcycle crash that occurred on West Union Street last November. Justin S. Krocke turned himself in to Newark police Thursday, accompanied by his attorney.
Krocke faces multiple charges, including second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, driving while impaired by drugs, reckless driving, and various traffic violations. Investigators say Krocke was under the influence of drugs when he drove his motorcycle onto the sidewalk to bypass cars stopped for a turning vehicle. As he attempted to return to the road, he lost control of the motorcycle, throwing his passenger, 36-year-old Kelley Smith-Krocke, into a curb on the opposite side of the street. Smith-Krocke sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at Newark Wayne Hospital.
The crash occurred on November 7 at approximately 4:44 p.m. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, where a member of the Newark Volunteer Fire Department was already performing CPR on Smith-Krocke. The Wayne County Crash Team assisted with the investigation, conducting a reconstruction of the incident.
Krocke, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, was initially hospitalized at Strong Memorial Hospital. Police allege that his actions that day directly caused the tragic accident.
Chief Rich Martin of the Newark Police Department confirmed the charges and emphasized the department’s commitment to holding those responsible for reckless and impaired driving accountable. The investigation revealed that Krocke’s actions, including driving while impaired, led to the catastrophic loss of life.
For updates on this case, visit the Newark Police Department website or call their tip line.
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