KINGMAN — A Kingman man who lied to law enforcement officers investigating a deadly traffic accident entered a probation guaranteed plea agreement on November 12. Brandon Tosh, 30, will be convicted of a charge reduced to attempted hindering prosecution.
Tosh was a passenger in a speeding Chevrolet pickup truck that crossed the center line of the roadway and slammed head-on into an oncoming Hyundai SUV at 6:12 a.m. on May 2 in Golden Valley. The Hyundai driver, Marian Merk, 61, Golden Valley, was fatally injured in the crash in the vicinity of W. Shinarump Drive and S. Apache Road.
Neither Tosh, nor the driver of the Chevrolet, Maximilliano Chavez, 30, Kingman, remained at the accident scene. Tosh was taken into custody when officers found him hiding in some nearby brush.
Deputy Mohave County attorney Jennifer Brodie said Tosh told officers that he did not know Chavez’ name and claimed he had met him the day before. She said Tosh had actually known Chavez since high school and that he lied to protect his friend.
Tosh faces up to one year in jail and probation for as long as three years when sentenced by Mohave County Superior Court judge Derek Carlisle on December 12.
Chavez was arrested the day after the wreck, drawing suspicion when he approached a Golden Valley resident asking for water. He was candid with investigators, admitting he had been drinking at three different bars in Laughlin and was driving about 70 miles just before the crash.
Chavez is serving a 10.5-year prison term after being convicted of manslaughter through a plea agreement.
