Tinucci’s Restaurant Driver Charged After Cyclist Critically Hurt in Crash

Aug 22

A Cottage Grove man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he struck a bicyclist in Newport last weekend, left the victim gravely injured in the roadway and drove off.

According to a criminal complaint filed in Washington County, 70-year-old Mark Thomas Tinucci Sr. was driving a white Chevrolet Suburban with a “Tinucci’s” restaurant decal on the side.

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Around 3:44 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, authorities allege Tinucci hit a man who was crossing Maxwell Avenue at the I-494 overpass. Witnesses told deputies the victim was in a crosswalk and another driver had already slowed to let him through when Tinucci, traveling in the left lane at what was described as a significant speed, struck him. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries including a brain bleed, eight broken ribs, fractures to his clavicle and scapula, and a torn carotid artery. According to the criminal complaint, the victim has shown no signs of “cognitive ability” since the crash.

Bystanders reported seeing an older man with gray hair get out of the Suburban after the collision, approach the cyclist and say, “I didn’t see him,” before getting back in the vehicle and driving away. Deputies soon located the damaged Suburban outside Tinucci’s Restaurant in Newport with a broken mirror that matched pieces found at the crash scene. Staff at the restaurant confirmed that Tinucci had been driving the suburban earlier that day.

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When contacted by law enforcement, Tinucci returned to the restaurant and admitted he was behind the wheel at the time of the crash. He told deputies he panicked after seeing the extent of the injuries and left to attend a catering job, but admitted that he knew it was wrong to leave. Authorities note he made no attempt to call 911 or summon medical help in the 30 to 40 minutes before he was ordered to return and speak with deputies.

Prosecutors have charged Tinucci with one felony count of criminal vehicular operation resulting in great bodily harm for leaving the scene of the collision. Court records show he has prior DWI convictions in Minnesota from 2009 and 2017. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Tinucci was not taken into custody after the crash and has been charged via summons. He is expected to make an initial court appearance on Oct. 1.

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