Early this morning, a collision in downtown Columbus resulted in five individuals being hospitalized, including a Columbus police officer. The officer's cruiser, with its sirens active, while en route to a fire, was hit by a civilian vehicle around 2:30 a.m. at the intersection of South 4th Street and East Rich Street, as reported by NBC4i. The crash caused significant front-end damage to the cruiser and impacted the passenger side doors of the white sedan involved.
The impact of the crash necessitated medical attention for four people in the civilian car and the police officer, all of whom sustained non-life-threatening injuries, according to police statements. Both vehicles were significantly damaged, and while charges have not been filed, an investigation continues into the circumstances around the collision. A detail perhaps not immediately apparent, it was later reported by The Columbus Dispatch, suggesting that alcohol might have played a role; one individual was tested for alcohol consumption at the scene.
In a similar vein, ABC6 reports that the police are investigating whether intoxication was a contributing factor in the crash, which involved suspected drunk driving. Both the officer and one other person were transported to the hospital in stable condition. The status of other parties involved in the incident has not been publicly shared beyond acknowledging injuries.
