An Ohio teenager is now facing criminal charges in connection with a 2025 crash that resulted in the death of an off-duty police officer and injured another, officials said.
“The Ohio Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Section is prosecuting the case,” Yost said. “Defendants are presumed innocent unless proved guilty in a court of law.”
Officials allege that around 2 a.m. on Aug. 30, 2025, the Jackson County teen was driving a 2014 Hyundai Accent while intoxicated when he rear-ended a golf cart traveling southbound on South Pennsylvania Avenue near the intersection of 6th Street in Wellston, about 80 miles southeast of Columbus.
After being hit from behind, the golf cart veered off the road and struck a tree, while the Hyundai came to rest in the roadway, the press release notes.
The golf cart’s driver—Brant Derrow, 40, who has been with the WPD since January 2020—also suffered serious injuries and was transported via helicopter to Cabell Huntington Hospital in West Virginia.
The teen sustained minor injuries and received treatment at the Jackson Medical Center. A legal representative for the juvenile could not immediately be reached for comment.
Juniper had been with the WPD for four years after working as a deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.
In a statement shared the day after his death, the department praised Juniper for his service, noting that the agency was fortunate to have him on its team.
“Compassionate and fair, hard-working and dedicated to his craft, fun to work with and a joy to be around… Matt was truly an asset to the City of Wellston and our residents. Matt will be greatly missed by everyone on our team and in our community.”
