MEDINA COUNTY, OHIO — The driver of a tanker truck that overturned on Interstate 271 in early December and spilled thousands of gallons of ethanol, triggering a hazardous materials response and hours-long highway closures, has pleaded not guilty to charges connected to the crash, court records and officials said.

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In Medina Municipal Court, Darius Jones, 32, of Maple Heights, entered a not guilty plea in connection with the Dec. 3, 2025 hazmat incident. Jones was cited for failure to control and for driving a commercial vehicle with impaired ability or alertness. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 23. Ohio State Highway Patrol said Jones is employed by HOC Transport.

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The crash happened at approximately 4:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, as the tanker was traveling north on I-271 near milepost 4 in Granger Township. Troopers said the tanker driver fell asleep at the wheel, causing the truck to go off the roadway, jackknife, and overturn. The tanker was carrying 8,000 gallons of ethanol, and about 4,000 gallons spilled, primarily into the median, officials said.

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Jones suffered minor injuries and was taken to an Akron hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Troopers said he was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. Officials said no other vehicles were involved, and troopers said they do not suspect alcohol or drugs as factors in the incident.

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Because of the spill and cleanup, all lanes in both directions of I-271 were closed for hours. Reports indicated the highway was shut down in the area between Route 94 and Brecksville Road, with closures lasting into the afternoon while first responders and hazmat teams worked. The Ohio Department of Transportation reported partial reopenings later in the day, first restoring traffic flow on portions of the roadway and then expanding to additional lanes as cleanup continued. Motorists were urged to avoid the area and follow detours while crews worked.

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Granger Fire Lt. Johnathon Tibbs said the ethanol spill was contained to the median, and that remaining ethanol held behind containment dams was safely transferred into containment tanks. Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including five fire departments, along with state environmental and emergency management partners.

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The case and the crash investigation remain ongoing.

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