Print Version
Email this story
Comment
Father gets 20 days in jail for boy’s death
John Tolleson pleaded no contest in fatal traffic crash
A man charged with causing the death of his 9-year-old son in a November 2006 traffic crash pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 20 days in jail and five years probation.
John Tolleson, 40, pleaded to charges Tuesday. Tolleson was accused of losing control of his vehicle on ice while passing other vehicles on Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls.
John Tolleson, 40, pleaded to charges Tuesday. Tolleson was accused of losing control of his vehicle on ice while passing other vehicles on Highway 140 west of Klamath Falls.
 |
 |
|
| Eye on the weather | Public Safety |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
Sandra wrote on Dec 21, 2008 9:28 AM:
" I think losing his son was punishment enough. None of us probably realize the personal anguish and guilt he has suffered. I think he has learned his lesson. "
MH wrote on Dec 20, 2008 7:11 AM:
" This was not an accident, this was a crash. An accident is a rock falling onto a car, a crash is someone not driving for the conditions of the road. Almost all "accidents" are actually crashes because they could have been prevented. And he blow by my parents that day and they were driving 40-50 mph. How fast do you think he was going? "
Gena wrote on Dec 19, 2008 7:31 PM:
" He is not the only one who goes to jail for an accident, And they go for a lot longer, They call it manslader, My friend went to jail for a very long time for a accident, 20 yrs, "
TAH wrote on Dec 19, 2008 6:55 PM:
" I don't feel the punishment fits the crime! It was an accident!! When he "blew by".... was the other driver going 20 mph and he was going 25? When it's slick, it doesn't take much. He has suffered enough, expecially now that the Holidays are here. We ALL are guilty of "blowing by" others!
"Keep your words short and sweet, someday YOU may have to eat them!" "
"Keep your words short and sweet, someday YOU may have to eat them!" "
saddened wrote on Dec 19, 2008 3:51 PM:
" When are we going to start taking responsibility for our actions??? Yes, it was deemed an "accident", however, it was his responisbility to keep his family safe. The father made the decision to pass on an icy road. The child couldn't make that decision. Others have done so as well, i myself have, I have made that decision and I am responsible for what happens. Yes, he has suffered, but HE was responsible for the childs safety. don't you agree?? "
Missy wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:58 PM:
" 4-wheel drive doesn't mean it is no longer icy. It is still slick and people should slow down.
Maybe 4-wheel drive helps you plow through the snow easier, but it doesn't help you stay on the road or stop. Maybe the man should just learn to drive, (as I am sure he will now that it's too late). I t is a bad situation all the way around. "
Maybe 4-wheel drive helps you plow through the snow easier, but it doesn't help you stay on the road or stop. Maybe the man should just learn to drive, (as I am sure he will now that it's too late). I t is a bad situation all the way around. "
Debbie wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:50 PM:
" I don't believe that the punishment fits the crime. It was an accident.
How about coming down a little harder on crimes of domestic violence and child abuse? "
How about coming down a little harder on crimes of domestic violence and child abuse? "
OneChick wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:41 PM:
" The man killed his son :( The eyewitness says he was driving crazy. When will people know that ice means slow down. If it were another driver that ran him off the road or hit him they would have to pay, more than 20 days. Any one who loses a child deserves sympathy, but what if it was "Eye witness'" child. Would 20 days be enough then? "
Question wrote on Dec 19, 2008 2:06 PM:
" My question is why did this take over 2 years to come to a decision? Look at the date of the accident, November 2006. Is the court that busy that this couldn't be handled sooner? Waiting for a decision is a punishment also. Justice has certainly ground its gears in this case & disagree with the decision. "
Missy wrote on Dec 19, 2008 1:44 PM:
" His vehicle had automatic 4-wheel drive, which was engaged as he "flew past" you all . . . . really, 20 days is way too much for an accident.
This whole thing should serve as a reminder to all that 4-wheel drive does fail, and automakers take no responsibility for THAT.
John and famiy, my prayers are for your emotional healing. I know I'd be going insane if I were in your position. "
This whole thing should serve as a reminder to all that 4-wheel drive does fail, and automakers take no responsibility for THAT.
John and famiy, my prayers are for your emotional healing. I know I'd be going insane if I were in your position. "
MoSo wrote on Dec 19, 2008 12:50 PM:
" Is there more information that what we have here, though? It does seem that putting him in jail is vindictive (rather than being an act of justice), but what was the story? Had he previously been driving recklessly, how fast was he going - a great deal over the posted speed limit on a snowy or icy road, or was it just a patch of ice that he hadn't seen? "
M wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:38 AM:
" MOST CAUTIOUS THAN MOST...
YEAH, BUT SOME PEOPLE GO 5-10 MILE PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY. THERE ARE TIMES YOU DO NEED TO PASS THEM. AND I'M SURE YOU'VE DONE IT MANY TIMES. "
YEAH, BUT SOME PEOPLE GO 5-10 MILE PER HOUR ON A HIGHWAY. THERE ARE TIMES YOU DO NEED TO PASS THEM. AND I'M SURE YOU'VE DONE IT MANY TIMES. "
Ken wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:20 AM:
" This is pure foolishness when a man has suffered as this man and his family have
already suffered! I agree ! why do criminals go free and innocent people pay??
This truly was a tragedy an accident!! "
already suffered! I agree ! why do criminals go free and innocent people pay??
This truly was a tragedy an accident!! "
Jimmy wrote on Dec 19, 2008 11:08 AM:
" This guy flew by me about five minutes before the accident driving like a complete crazy man. My five year old even commented that he was going to crash driving like that. I still have nightmares of us trying to get the young man out of the car alive. If a man was wreckless with a gun and accidently killed someone he would get much worse yet as an eyewitness I see the scenarios as equal. "
Lost wrote on Dec 19, 2008 10:39 AM:
" He did not loose his child, A lost child could be found, Not the case here.
His stupity KILLED that child.Period! "
His stupity KILLED that child.Period! "
TK wrote on Dec 19, 2008 10:05 AM:
" How awful! I don't think that man should spend even five minutes in jail! He lost his baby! He took full responsibility for his actions. Why add more punishment on top of the punishment he's already enduring?
Last Easter, my daughter was attacked and beaten by several intoxicated teenage girls. Only one of them, a 14 year old, has been held accountable. A 19 year old gleefully participated and the police pulled her car over less than an hour after the attack. They let her go. They have all of her contact information but they have yet to even interview her, let alone charge her with anything. It's pretty much been swept aside.
It's unbelievable that a man should be sent to jail for an ACCIDENT while other's can get away scott-free with intentional acts of violence. I'm outraged! "
Last Easter, my daughter was attacked and beaten by several intoxicated teenage girls. Only one of them, a 14 year old, has been held accountable. A 19 year old gleefully participated and the police pulled her car over less than an hour after the attack. They let her go. They have all of her contact information but they have yet to even interview her, let alone charge her with anything. It's pretty much been swept aside.
It's unbelievable that a man should be sent to jail for an ACCIDENT while other's can get away scott-free with intentional acts of violence. I'm outraged! "
Not enough wrote on Dec 19, 2008 9:39 AM:
" I think 20 days is far to few..I think more like 20 years..His stupity took another life. Cry me a river, He is still alive and free to do what he chooses..is the life his stupity took away worth only 20 days? "
eddie wrote on Dec 19, 2008 7:44 AM:
" Every day when he wakes up, everytime he gets into a car, everytime it is icy, every holiday, every birthday, every time he turns around he will be reminded of his horrible, irreversable mistake. 20 days??? c'mon what good does it do? If he is ANY kind of human, he will suffer a hundred lifetimes for what happened. Yes, he should recieve some kind of legal panishment for what happened because laws are laws, but a judge can make the call regarding "time served". 20 DAYS in jail will not make a difference to this family's suffering escept to take him away from the rest of his family when he could and should be earning a living for them. "
gramth wrote on Dec 19, 2008 12:51 AM:
" I can NOT believe that anyone would even consider punishing this person for an ACCIDENT. That's why it's called an ACCIDENT.
I'm sure the person is going through hell every breath he takes and will for the rest of his life.
Shame on the prosecutor. "
I'm sure the person is going through hell every breath he takes and will for the rest of his life.
Shame on the prosecutor. "
More cautious than most wrote on Dec 19, 2008 12:10 AM:
" No, the icy roads weren't his fault... but the fact that he just HAD to go FASTER FASTER FASTER was his fault. I am so tired of the pass happy people... on the ice and bare pavement. It's a shame what happened, yes, but 20 days is menial. "
Sam L wrote on Dec 18, 2008 11:58 PM:
" Lets hear for Ed Caleb and his crew! Good old Ed just has to have his pound of flesh and his conviction record to show the voters for his re-election.
Folks it's time we show Ed Caleb the door. For a guy who says he's for the community, a church goer, God fearing Christian, and a patriot, this just flies against the face of the community.
Look when this happen, this man has had to live with his actions since then and will live with them for the future.
I'm sure the family is going through hell.
Punishment served and serving.
Let's send a message to Ed Caleb! No more! "
Folks it's time we show Ed Caleb the door. For a guy who says he's for the community, a church goer, God fearing Christian, and a patriot, this just flies against the face of the community.
Look when this happen, this man has had to live with his actions since then and will live with them for the future.
I'm sure the family is going through hell.
Punishment served and serving.
Let's send a message to Ed Caleb! No more! "
RSS
wow wrote on Dec 21, 2008 11:12 AM: