Background: The Kroger store in Westerville, Ohio (Google Maps). Inset: Danielle Henry (Franklin County Sheriff”s Office).
On October 22, a minor traffic collision reportedly occurred between Henry and Ibrahim Diakite in the parking lot of a Kroger store in Westerville, a suburb northeast of Columbus. Authorities claim that following the minor fender bender, Henry attempted to flee the scene, prompting Diakite to pursue her in his own vehicle.
The pursuit led both vehicles to an intersection near the store. According to police, as they stopped at a red light, Diakite exited his car and positioned himself in front of Henry’s vehicle in an effort to prevent her from leaving once more. In a dramatic turn of events, Diakite climbed onto the hood of Henry’s car in his bid to confront her.
Police reports indicate that while Diakite was still on the hood, Henry accelerated rapidly, reaching speeds of 45 mph. This sudden movement caused Diakite to be thrown off and onto the roadway. It is alleged that Henry then ran over Diakite and dragged him a distance ranging from 300 to 600 feet, leading to his death.
According to court records, Diakite followed Henry in his own vehicle to an intersection near the parking lot. While both vehicles were stopped at a red light, police said Diakite got out of his car and stood in front of Henry’s. As he attempted to stop her from leaving again, he reportedly climbed onto the hood of her car.
Police said that while Diakite was still on the hood, Henry suddenly accelerated to 45 mph, which flung Diakite off the car and onto the road. Henry then allegedly ran Diakite over and dragged him 300 to 600 feet.
Diakite was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Henry was arrested on Saturday and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, hit-skip — or hit-and-run — on private property, failure to comply with order or signal of police, and seven additional misdemeanor charges. She was arraigned on Monday and is currently in custody at the James Carnes Corrections Center in Franklin County. Her next court date is scheduled for Nov. 4.
