WEST CHESTER, Ohio -- West Chester Police Chief Eric Niehaus is asking the public for prayers concerning the condition of a 24-year old officer critically injured when his cruiser hit a utility pole and a tree.
Officer Nicholas Gattermeyer had to be extricated from his heavily damaged police cruiser on Demmick Road near Friar Tuck Drive in West Chester shortly before 2 a.m. Tuesday. Police say he lost control of his cruiser as he was responding to a burglary call at a home on Barrett Road.
Officer Gattermeyer was transported to University Hospital where he is listed in critical condition. An AirCare medical helicopter was originally called but it could not make the trip because of heavy early morning fog.
Chief Niehaus says Gattermeyer's family is requesting privacy and not speaking to the media at this time. The chief and several officers have remained at University Hospital since Gattermeyer was admitted.
Traffic investigation officers spent several hours on the scene looking for evidence that might tell them more about how the crash occurred. Officer Gattermeyer was alone in his cruiser at the time.
Police are not saying any more about the crash or what might have caused it. Some West Chester township leaders speculated that heavy fog could have played a role in the crash.
Officer Gattermeyer joined the West Chester Police in February of 2008.
He is the nephew of Hamilton Municipal Judge Dan Gattermeyer.
9News and WCPO.com will update this story when we have more information.
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