OSP: Monroe cruiser’s overhead lights were activated at time of crash; injured officer ID’d

A Monroe police cruiser stopped on the side of the road had its overhead lights activated at the time it was struck from behind by a pickup truck on Ohio 4 on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Hamilton post.

The crash occurred about 1:36 p.m. in the 6100 block of Hamilton-Middletown Road (Ohio 4) near Apple Knoll Lane, injuring the officer and the driver of the pickup truck.

Officer Drew Aspacher had just entered his cruiser on the right side of road when it was struck from behind and was spun around into a driveway and front yard of a residence. The southbound 2011 Chevrolet pickup truck continued off the left side of the roadway and into the median, according to police.

Monroe police Chief Bob Buchanan said Aspacher was at that address for a call of suspicious activity that resulted in an arrest. Buchanan also said the crash was not associated with the arrest that was made.

The driver of the pickup truck, Jodie Gabbard, 46, of Middletown, was transported to the Atrium Medical Center. The hospital had no information available on Gabbard’s condition.

Aspacher was transported to West Chester Hospital where he was treated and released, according to Monroe police Chief Bob Buchanan. He has been with the Monroe Police Department since 2013.

The crash remains under investigation by the highway patrol’s Hamilton post.

The patrol reminds motorists that Ohio’s Move Over Law requires motorists to cautiously shift over one lane – or slow down if changing lanes is not possible – when passing any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of a road.

About the Author