Dennis Jordan, a 21-year veteran on the force, was interviewed by the OSP Saturday and placed on paid administrative leave after Thursday’s deadly crash. He said Jordan followed the correct protocol.
Birk said it’s common for officers involved in “traumatic events” such as fatal crashes and shootings to be given a few days before they’re interviewed.
Jordan was “shaken up” on Thursday, Birk said.
“We worry about the welfare of our officers,” Birk said.
Jesse W. Myers, 38, of Middletown, allegedly was seen making “hand to hand” drug transactions Thursday afternoon by members of Special Operations, according to police.
Jordan, driving a marked cruiser, tried to stop Myers near the Breiel Boulevard and Lefferson Road intersection. Myers pulled over on his motorcycle, then took off, turning onto Lefferson, Birk said.
“It was his choice to flee,” the chief said.
Less than one mile later, with Jordan in close pursuit, Myers crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer. He was pronounced dead at the scene. He died from multiple traumatic injuries and his death was ruled an accident, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Police said Myers was known to the Special Operation Unit as he had been arrested before for possession of drugs after a similar complaint in 2018. He was convicted of possession of methamphetamine and he was released from prison in May, police said.
Myers is survived by his mother and step-father, Kathy and Terry Callahan and father, Jerry (Yolanda) Myers; and siblings, Donna, Jerry Jr., and April, according to his obituary.
He was a Ford Mustang enthusiast and an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan. He also owned a plumbing and electrical business, according to his obituary.
Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. today at Bales’ Funeral Home, 249 N. Main St. Camden. The funeral service is set for 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Fairmound Cemetery, West Elkton.
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