By Jim Newell
Review Editor
The Lake Orion Police Dept. has completed an investigation into an officer-involved traffic accident, in which the on-duty officer crashed his patrol car into the front porch of a home in January.
Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh said the officer, a 12-year veteran, had received “corrective action” and that the police department conducted re-training with its officers on nighttime safety driving and safe motor vehicle operations.
“I take this incident seriously, and any incident where there could be a public concern. I have full confidence in this officer, who has cooperated fully and deeply regrets the incident and the damage it caused to one of our resident’s home and to police equipment. I want to ensure our community that we will always be clear and transparent in our actions in a manner that is in compliance with the law,” Narsh said.
The incident occurred at 4:10 a.m. Jan. 21, when the officer lost control of his marked patrol car while traveling east on E. Flint Street near Washington Street
The police cruiser struck a home at the northeast corner of the intersection, causing damage to the front porch and foundation. Preliminary investigation at the scene indicated that the police officer had fallen asleep while driving.
“The officer immediately exited his vehicle and spoke with the homeowners, who were inside the home sleeping and awakened by the crash. The officer determined that no one was injured inside the home,” Narsh said in a statement in January.
“Consistent with LOPD policy on officer involved crashes, an outside law enforcement agency was asked to conduct the crash investigation. The Lake Orion Police Department conducted its own investigation as to employee conformance to policy and regulations,” Narsh said.
The results of the crash investigation and the LOPD inquiry revealed that:
· The officer was working his regularly scheduled 12-hour shift, it was not an overtime shift.
· The officer reported for duty not feeling well, as the shift progressed he became increasingly ill.
· The officer did not request to be relieved from duty.
· As a part of the LOPD investigation, it was determined that no alcohol, scheduled drugs or any other medications or substances were involved in any way. The officer was not on any mobile communication device.
· The cause of the crash was the result of the sudden effects of the illness that impacted the officer’s ability during his shift.
· The officer was placed on immediate sick leave until he was medically cleared to return to duty.
“As a result of the findings it was determined there was a clear violation of department policy and the officer did receive corrective action,” Narsh said. “In addition, we conducted re-training with all officers on the effects of night shift work, night time driving and adherence to safe motor vehicle operations standards.”
Reaction from the community has been mixed, with many people on the LOPD Facebook page and Orion chat rooms commenting that they were thankful that one was injured, while others were more critical.
Just a reminder that we are all human. Nobody is above an accident. Glad everyone is ok. – K.L.
If it was a civilian we would be in jail. – G.L.
Bad things happen to great people every day, so glad no one involved was injured. – E.S.
I have to admit, I’ve fallen asleep behind the wheel before and by the grace of God, nothing happened. But I’m also thankful when I make mistakes in my job, I’m not plastered on the 5:00 news or have to read FB a**hats’ comments. – A.J.
So glad everyone is okay. Police officers are human and and as such, accidents happen. – A.K.