Man killed in 13-car crash had mental issues, reports say

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By Lucas Sullivan, Staff Writer Updated 10:22 PM Tuesday, August 11, 2009

DAYTON — A 66-year-old man involved in a double-fatal, 13-vehicle accident had a history of mental problems and hallucinations, according to police.

Ocie L. Miliner Jr. was one of two men killed in the horrific series of crashes along North Main Street Sunday, Aug. 9, that sent 10 people to local hospitals.

Detectives continue to investigate what led to the crashes that involved Miliner’s red 2008 Chrysler 300 and a black Cadillac DeVille driven by Otis Steele.

Steele died at the scene after his car burst into flames, police said.

Neither driver had a valid license.

“We might never know those details,” Chief Richard Biehl said. “The two principle participants in the accident are deceased, so that is making the investigation more difficult.”

Investigators are checking witness accounts that Steele’s car was on fire as it chased Miliner’s car. They are also visiting local businesses along North Main to see if security cameras captured the accident.

“This investigation is going to take two months minimum,” Lt. Larry Faulkner said.

A preliminary autopsy showed the men died from blunt force trauma , but police are awaiting a complete autopsy that includes toxicology results.

Police reports show that in the last two years officers have twice ordered Miliner receive a psychiatric evaluation after responding to incidents at his home in the 200 block of Reisinger Avenue.

Officers wrote Miliner was known to be “mentally handicapped, delirious and delusional.”

In May 2008, he told officers he fired a gun into the ground because drug dealers spread acid around his house and it was burning his eyes and hands.

A year before, he pointed a gun at neighbors and accused them of being drug dealers. He told officers drug dealers were “affecting the electricity” in his home and had put monitoring devices in his front yard.

He was never charged with a crime in either incident, according to court records.

Miliner’s sister-in-law said Tuesday the family is waiting for police to finish their investigation before commenting.ting.

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