Tiffin man charged after accident claims his mother's life

A Tiffin man has been charged in connection to an accident that claimed his mother's life Tuesday. Kristopher B. Ward, 27, was charged with aggravated vehicular assault, a second-degree felony, and possession of controlled substances, a fifth-degree felony, according to Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court. Ward's bond was set at $250,000, cash or surety, according to court records. Ward was at Seneca County Jail on Thursday, a jail spokesman said. The accident on TR 73, north of TR 122, occurred about 12:15 p.m. Tuesday. Ward was driving a 2004 Jaguar X-Type north on TR 73, and Thomas L. Ferguson of Fremont was driving a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix south on TR 73. A release states Ward's Jaguar traveled off the right side of the road, Ward over-corrected and the Jaguar went left of center, striking the Pontiac. The Pontiac traveled off the right side of the road and struck a tree. Ward's passengers were Jodi R. Dewald, 52, of Tiffin, the right front passenger; James D. Chaffee, 29, of Tiffin, the right rear passenger; and Tasha N. Brock, 33, of Tiffin, the left rear passenger. Dewald,Ward's mother, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident, according to State Highway Patrol. Ward, Chaffee, Brock and Ferguson all were taken by Tiffin Fire Rescue Division to Mercy Health – Tiffin Hospital. Ferguson had serious injuries and was transported to Mercy Health – St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo, according to Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court records. The release states Ward left the scene on foot and was apprehended by Seneca County Sheriff's Office and Tiffin Police Department. Tiffin-Fostoria Municipal Court records state Ward was found to be in possession of suspected heroin and fentanyl once in investigative custody. He refused to submit to a blood/urine test, admitted snorting heroin before driving and could not remember what all happened after the accident, they state.