Mugshot released of man accused of dragging 9-year-old girl with car in Dayton

DAYTON — New details have been uncovered about a man accused of hitting a 9-year-old girl with his car and dragging her half a mile.

As reported on News Center 7 at 6, Jeffrey Atkinson is accused of turning left into a crosswalk hitting a family of five, and dragging Ashley Escalante.

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“We were able to catch him due to some citizens who had watched the accident and actually followed him,” Sgt. Gordon Cairns with Dayton police previously told News Center 7.

Escalante is recovering in the ICU at Dayton Children’s Hospital surrounded by family. She has lost part of her leg.

Police wrote in an arrest warrant obtained by News Center 7 that they suspected Atkinson of being under the influence due to a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech, flushed face, bloodshot and glassy eyes, and urine-soiled clothes.

Atkinson is being held in the Montgomery County Jail.

News Center 7 is one other driving offense in county records.

Perry Township police pulled Atkinson over for driving under suspension in 2013.

Atkinson will make an initial appearance in Dayton Municipal Court but police are working with prosecutors to have a grand jury review the case.

News Center 7 will continue to follow this story.

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