CLEVELAND, Ohio — The driver accused in a deadly I-90 motorcycle crash in Bratenahl was arraigned in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on Wednesday.
Leon Croff, Jr. pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. The 31-year-old Cleveland resident faces six counts in total: two counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, and two counts of not stopping after an accident.
Croff was ordered held on a $1.5 million bond. He will return to court on Sept. 28 for a pre-trial hearing.
The Crash That Took Stacy Alan Perez Sr.’s Life
According to the Bratenahl Police Department, Croff struck a motorcyclist on I-90 east near Eddy Road at 1:13 a.m. on Aug. 30 and then fled the scene.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the victim as Stacy Alan Perez, Sr.
Croff was taken into custody several hours after the accident. Police have not released details about how they located him or what led to his arrest.
Who Was Stacy Alan Perez Sr.?
Stacy Alan Perez, Sr. was a 55-year-old resident of South Euclid, Ohio. While limited personal details have been released by authorities, the “Sr.” designation indicates he was a father, likely with a son who shares his name.
Perez was riding his motorcycle on I-90 eastbound in the early morning hours of Aug. 30 when the collision occurred. The stretch of I-90 near Eddy Road in Bratenahl is a heavily traveled corridor that connects Cleveland’s eastern suburbs to the city’s downtown core.
Friends and family of Perez have not publicly commented on the crash, but the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity following the incident.
The Charges Against Leon Croff Jr.
Leon Croff Jr. faces six serious charges in connection with the fatal crash:
Two counts of driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (OVI): Ohio law prohibits operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. A first OVI offense is typically a misdemeanor, but when it results in death, charges can be elevated to felonies.
Two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide: This is one of the most serious traffic-related felonies in Ohio. It applies when a person causes the death of another while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Aggravated vehicular homicide is a first-degree felony in Ohio, carrying a potential prison sentence of up to 11 years per count.
Two counts of not stopping after an accident: Also known as hit-and-run or failure to stop, this charge alleges that Croff fled the scene of the crash without providing aid or identifying himself. Ohio law requires drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death to stop, render assistance, and report the incident.
Legal Analysis
The charges against Croff carry severe potential penalties. If convicted on all counts, he could face decades in prison.
Aggravated vehicular homicide in Ohio is governed by Section 2903.06 of the Ohio Revised Code. The statute states that a person commits the offense when they cause the death of another as a proximate result of committing an OVI violation. A first-degree felony conviction carries a mandatory prison term of between three and 11 years.
The failure to stop charges add another layer of legal jeopardy. Under Ohio’s hit-and-run laws, leaving the scene of an accident that resulted in death can be charged as a third-degree felony, carrying up to five years in prison.
Prosecutors will likely argue that Croff’s decision to flee the scene demonstrates a consciousness of guilt. Defense attorneys may challenge the OVI evidence, question the accuracy of witness statements, or argue that the accident was unavoidable.
The $1.5 million bond indicates the court considers Croff a significant flight risk and a danger to the community. To be released, Croff would need to post the full amount or work with a bail bondsman to secure a surety bond, typically requiring a percentage of the total as collateral.
The Bratenahl Police Investigation
The Bratenahl Police Department is leading the investigation into the crash. Bratenahl is a small village located on the shores of Lake Erie, just east of Cleveland. The village is bisected by I-90, and its police department frequently responds to traffic incidents on the highway.
According to police, the crash occurred at 1:13 a.m. on Aug. 30 on I-90 eastbound near the Eddy Road exit. Eddy Road is a major interchange that connects the highway to local streets in Bratenahl, Cleveland, and East Cleveland.
After striking the motorcyclist, Croff fled the scene, according to police. He was taken into custody several hours later. Police have not disclosed whether they used surveillance footage, witness tips, or other investigative methods to locate him.
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and later identified Perez as the victim.
I-90: A Dangerous Corridor
Interstate 90 is one of the longest highways in the United States, stretching from Boston to Seattle. In Ohio, it runs along the southern shore of Lake Erie, passing through Cleveland and its eastern suburbs.
The section of I-90 near Eddy Road in Bratenahl is known for its curves, limited sight lines, and heavy traffic volume. During early morning hours, reduced visibility and the potential for impaired drivers create additional hazards.
Motorcycle safety advocates have long raised concerns about the dangers of riding on highways like I-90. Without the protective shell of a car or truck, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable in the event of a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are approximately 29 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants of passenger cars per vehicle mile traveled.
The timing of the crash—just after 1 a.m.—is significant. Fatal crashes involving impaired driving are disproportionately likely to occur during late-night and early-morning hours. Law enforcement agencies across Ohio have conducted targeted enforcement campaigns during these hours to deter drunk driving.
The Aftermath
Following the crash, the Bratenahl Police Department issued a statement expressing condolences to Perez’s family and urging anyone with information to come forward. The department also thanked the emergency responders who assisted at the scene.
Croff’s arrest came several hours after the crash, according to police. He was processed and initially held in the Bratenahl jail before being transferred to Cuyahoga County custody.
The case has drawn attention from local media, including WOIO (19 News), which first reported the arraignment. The Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the case.
What Happens Next
Croff is scheduled to return to Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas on Sept. 28 for a pre-trial hearing. At that hearing, attorneys for both sides will discuss the status of the case, exchange evidence, and potentially set a trial date.
If no plea agreement is reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a jury will decide Croff’s fate. Given the severity of the charges, a conviction could result in a prison sentence measured in decades.
Croff’s defense attorney has not made public statements about the case. It is unclear whether Croff has retained private counsel or is being represented by a public defender.
The Broader Context: Impaired Driving in Ohio
Croff’s case is part of a larger problem of impaired driving in Ohio. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, alcohol-impaired crashes account for approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities in the state.
Ohio has taken steps to address impaired driving, including tougher penalties for repeat offenders, ignition interlock requirements, and public awareness campaigns. However, the problem persists, and fatal crashes involving alcohol continue to occur regularly across the state.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw an increase in impaired driving incidents nationwide, a trend that has continued in many jurisdictions. Traffic safety experts attribute this to a combination of increased stress, reduced enforcement, and changes in drinking patterns.
For families like Perez’s, these statistics represent unimaginable loss. Every impaired driving fatality leaves behind grieving loved ones, unanswered questions, and a sense of injustice.
Motorcycle Safety in Focus
Perez’s death also highlights the ongoing challenges of motorcycle safety. While motorcycles represent a small percentage of vehicles on the road, they account for a disproportionate share of traffic fatalities.
Several factors contribute to motorcycle crashes: lack of protection, reduced visibility to other drivers, road hazards, and rider inexperience. In crashes involving alcohol, both riders and drivers may be impaired.
Safety advocates recommend that motorcyclists wear helmets and protective gear, avoid riding at night or in bad weather when possible, and remain vigilant for impaired or distracted drivers. For drivers of cars and trucks, the message is simple: watch for motorcycles, give them space, and never drive impaired.
Remembering Stacy Alan Perez Sr.
As the legal process moves forward, friends and family of Stacy Alan Perez Sr. are left to mourn a life cut short. Perez was a resident of South Euclid, a suburb of Cleveland, and was 55 years old at the time of his death.
A father, as indicated by the “Sr.” suffix to his name, Perez leaves behind loved ones who must now navigate the grief of losing him suddenly and violently.
Community members have expressed sympathy for Perez’s family. The crash has also sparked conversations about the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
Funeral arrangements for Perez have not been publicly announced. A GoFundMe or similar fundraising effort may be established to assist his family with expenses.
Conclusion
The fatal crash on I-90 in Bratenahl has resulted in serious charges against Leon Croff Jr. and profound loss for the family of Stacy Alan Perez Sr. As the case proceeds through the Cuyahoga County court system, questions about accountability, justice, and prevention remain.
For now, Croff is being held on a $1.5 million bond, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 28.
Perez’s loved ones, meanwhile, are left to mourn and to seek closure in the aftermath of a tragedy that has affected not only their family but the broader Cleveland community.
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