FINDLAY, Ohio — Two suspects facing charges in the death of Bluffton Police Officer Dominic Francis appeared in court Thursday, entering pleas of not guilty to all counts.
Emin Johnson and Zachary Love were arraigned in Hancock County Court in Findlay. A motion to reduce Johnson's bail from $500,000 was denied; Love's bail remains at $100,000, but a judge agreed to reconsider at a hearing next month.
Authorities said Johnson, 20, was driving a vehicle that struck Officer Francis March 31 during a traffic pursuit on I-75. Francis was attempting to lay stop sticks when he was hit.
Johnson is facing several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and two counts of involuntary manslaughter.
Love is facing two counts of receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, having weapons while under disability and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle.
After Francis was hit, officers said the men fled the scene on foot, stole another car and led police on another chase before they were eventually arrested.
A third suspect, Dante Tate, is also facing charges. The judge on Thursday said they are still working on an arraignment date for Tate.
"It's early in the process, unfortunately this is a long process and this is just one step and we will continue to work and compile, this is a long and ongoing investigation, we have a lot of work to do and we're going to continue to do that work," Hancock County Prosecutor Phillip Riegle said.
Also in the court room were family members of officer Dominic Francis, including his wife, Ricki. She said she is mad at the whole situation and plans to come to every court appearance.
Johnson and Love are scheduled back in court May 13.