Clark County Man Appears in Taylor County Court for Hit-and-Run Death

Friday, March 4th, 2022 -- 1:01 PM

A Clark County man facing homicide charges for the hit and run death of a pedestrian appeared in Taylor County Court.

According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, 27-year-old Titus Kottke of Athens was found deceased on Elm Avenue near Hamm Drive in the Town of Holway in the early morning hours of October 31st of last year.

After an investigation, Paul Schmeiser, of Curtiss, was arrested for the incident. Investigators say that Schmeiser was driving home early in the morning around 4am.

He stated he had more than a few drinks and, while he was adjusting the climate controls, he thought he saw a flash and felt a bump. However, he continued home. Later, when he heard about the death, he realized what had happened.

Schmeiser is facing charges of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and hit-and-run involving death. During his court appearance on Thursday, he waived his preliminary hearing and entered a not guilty plea to the charges against him. He’s scheduled to be back in court on April 6th.

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