Driver runs into Maumee police car

4/20/2012

A Perrysburg Township man has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after police say he struck a Maumee police cruiser Friday that was parked on Maumee Reserve Road near the Perrysburg-Maumee bridge.

Neither Officer Jeff Whitten nor the civilian passenger were in the car when it was struck.

The officer and Daniel Nielsen, a college intern, were standing on the bicycle-pedestrian path along the road about 12:30 a.m. Friday when the south-bound pickup driven by Lynn Parker slammed into rear of the police car, which had its overhead light bar and flashers operating.

Police said the Maumee officer was parked behind a deer that had been struck and was waiting for Perrysburg police to arrive. Officer Whitten said he saw the truck come across the bridge and watched the driver attempt to brake at the last moment before hitting the police car.

Maumee police said Mr. Parker, 51, of 10517 River Oaks Drive, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.219, more than twice the Ohio legal limit of 0.8. He was arrested by Perrysburg police and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Police said both the truck and police car were heavily damaged.