A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Police say man who claimed to be passenger was driver of car in wreck that closed Roebling Bridge


NKyTribune staff

The Covington Police Department has been searching for the driver of the car involved in the accident that resulted in the closure of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.

It turns out, he was right under their nose.

Demarko Page, 24, of Cincinnati, was originally believed to be a passenger in the 1999 Mercedes Benz E320 that struck a support beam on the bridge on March 20, shortly after 10 p.m. Police say he was actually the diver.

According to a police report, Page said the operator of the vehicle fled on foot, but following an investigation, police determined he was the driver.

A pregnant woman, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was injured in the crash and the damage to the bridge has resulted in its closure to vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Police say Page lied about being a passenger because he was driving with a suspended/revoked operator’s license. The investigation also determined that neither Page, nor the owner of the vehicle, who has not been named, were covered under an active auto insurance policy.

Page has been charged with Falsely Reporting an Incident, Operating a Motor Vehicle on a Suspended or Revoked License and Failure to Maintain Required Insurance. All of the charges are misdemeanors.

A warrant has been issued for Page’s arrest.

Headed to Opening Day? Find another way

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet would like to remind folks that the Roebling Bridge is closed to vehicles and pedestrians until repairs are made.

Covington Police and Cincinnati Police will be present on both sides of the bridge for Red’s Opening Day festivities tomorrow.  Violators who ignore the barriers may be cited for trespassing.

While KYTC understands the closure is an inconvenience, it ensures public safety and prevents any further compromise (stress) of this National Historic Landmark.  The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was opened in 1867 and has been carrying Red’s fans since their beginnings in 1881.

Initially it was believed the bridge would be shut down for a short period of time, but it is now estimated the structure will be closed until at least June.

The Clay Wade Bailey Bridge in Covington and the Taylor Southgate Bridge in Newport can be used as an alternate routes.


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