OREGON, OH (Press Release) - The Ohio State Highway Patrol is currently investigating an injury traffic crash that involved an on-duty Northwood Police Officer.
The crash occurred on October 26, 2012 at approximately 11:45 P.M. on Interstate 280 southbound, south of Navarre Avenue in the City of Oregon.
The Northwood officer was assisting the Oregon Police Department with traffic control for an unrelated traffic crash. The Northwood Officer was stationary in the right lane of Interstate 280 southbound with his emergency lights activated. Melody Bower, 33, was southbound on Interstate 280 in the right lane when she struck the patrol car in the rear.
The Northwood Officer sustained non-life threatening injuries, and Oregon EMS transported him from the scene to Bay Park Hospital. Mrs. Bower was not injured in the crash. The Northwood officer and Mrs. Bower were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
Alcohol use contributed to the crash, and Mrs. Bower was subsequently charged with OVI and failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead.
Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Oregon Police Department, Northwood Police Department, and Oregon Fire and EMS.
The southbound lanes of Interstate 280 were shut down for approximately 30 minutes, but it has since re-opened. The crash remains under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Toledo Post.
