Ohio Officer Critically Injured in Crash

WEST CHESTER, Ohio --

A West Chester police officer was critically injured in a crash early Tuesday morning.

Officer Nicholas Gattermeyer was responding to a burglary call in the 7700 block of Barrett Road just before 2 a.m. when he crashed his cruiser into a utility pole at Dimmick Road near Friar Tuck Drive.

Police said Gattermeyer was responding to a burglary call.

The impact tore the front third of the cruiser apart.

Another West Chester officer came upon the scene after the crash and called for assistance. Police said they aren't sure of the exact interval between the crash and its discovery, but estimate it was no longer than eight minutes.

West Chester police told News 5 that Gattermeyer was the only one in the cruiser at the time, and it was not clear why he crashed. Gattermeyer was taken to University Hospital by ambulance for treatment after medical helicopters were grounded by fog.

West Chester Police Sgt. Joe Gutman told News 5 that Gattermeyer was in critical condition.

"What we are dealing with here is very difficult for us. One of our officers who is very dedicated to this profession was involved in this accident today," said West Chester Police Chief Erik Niehaus. "What I am asking for is your thoughts and prayers to be with officer Gattermeyer in this difficult time."

Gattermeyer, 24, has been with the department since February 2008. He turns 25 on Friday.

Family members, friends and fellow officers spent Tuesday at University Hospital waiting for information about Gattermeyer's injuries.

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