HEBRON, Ohio – A day-long manhunt concluded with an arrest after a fatal hit-and-run collision claimed the life of a Newark man last Wednesday.
The Hebron Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) had been searching for a driver who fled on foot after striking a farm tractor on State Route 79.
The Collision
The crash occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on April 15, 2026, near the Hebron Village limits. Preliminary findings suggest that a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling on SR 79 when it struck an International Harvester 2250 tractor from behind.
Investigators believe the driver of the Silverado failed to maintain an assured clear distance, leading to the high-impact collision.
Victim Identified
The operator of the tractor, 77-year-old Alan Kissell of Newark, was rushed to Licking Memorial Hospital by emergency crews. Despite medical efforts, Mr. Kissell was later pronounced deceased.
The Hebron Police Department issued a statement extending their deepest condolences to the Kissell family, noting the tragic nature of the incident involving a well-known member of the local community.
Manhunt and Arrest
The driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene on foot before first responders arrived. Authorities quickly identified the suspect as 52-year-old Derek Baldwin of Des Moines, Iowa.
A massive, multi-agency search was launched, utilizing ground units and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Aviation Unit. After nearly 24 hours of searching, Baldwin was located and taken into custody.
Assisting Agencies included:
- Licking County Sheriff’s Office
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)
- Pataskala and Heath Police Departments
- West Licking, Buckeye Lake, and Heath Fire Districts
Ongoing Investigation
While Baldwin is currently in custody, the crash remains under active investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Charges are expected to be filed in connection with the fatality and the act of fleeing the scene of an accident.
State Route 79 experienced significant delays on the evening of the crash as crews worked to clear the wreckage and secure the scene.
