OHIO TOWNSHIP, Ohio — The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a head-on crash involving a police vehicle that seriously injured one woman and left a New Richmond police officer with minor injuries.
OSHP said the crash occurred on Route 132 north of Twelve Mile Road at approximately 6:25 p.m. Tuesday.
A preliminary investigation found that Kimberly Powers, 54 of New Richmond, was driving a 1998 Toyota Corolla east on Route 132.
While negotiating a curve, police said she crossed the center line, striking Officer John Amole's New Richmond police vehicle head-on. Amole's vehicle rotated partially off the right side of the road after the impact.
OSHP said Amole was responding to a call of a suspected impaired driver in a vehicle matching the description of the Corolla that Powers was driving.
A New Richmond Police Officer was involved in a head on collision while responding to a call for a possible intoxicated driver. This is the damage to that cruiser. @WCPO pic.twitter.com/CvzyFLki5u
— Matthew Wood (@PhotogMattW) December 23, 2020
Powers was transported to Anderson Mercy Hospital by New Richmond EMS before she was transported by medical helicopter to the University of Cincinnati Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Amole was transported to Clermont Mercy Hospital by Pierce Township EMS with minor injuries.
Police said impairment is considered a factor in the crash, and Powers was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash.
OSHP continues to investigate.
