Recruit in critical condition after truck crashes into cruiser on Route 4 ID’d

A Dayton police supervisor and three police recruits were on the right shoulder of state Route 4 at approximately 2:45 p.m. Thursday between the exits for Stanley Avenue and Harshman Road when pickup hit the sport-utility cruiser, Chief Kamran Afzal said Thursday during a media briefing at Miami Valley Hospital.

Kessio, who started training March 27 at the Dayton Police Department Academy as a member of the 114th recruit class, was outside the cruiser at the time of the crash, Afzal said.

Credit: Jim Noelker

Credit: Jim Noelker

“The three police recruits suffered injuries as a result of the crash, one of which is considered serious,” Afzal said.

The recruits and supervisor were conducting traffic enforcement training using a laser. The recruits, about to graduate in mid-November, were made up of two men and a woman, the chief said.

The police supervisor along with the pickup driver and passenger also were injured and all six crash victims were taken to Miami Valley Hospital for treatment, Afzal said.

Jeff Reichard said Friday that his two employees remained in the hospital and that while he is waiting to hear the results of the investigation, his understanding is that the pickup driver may have suffered a medical issue.

“We’re praying for the injured, that everyone turns out OK,” he said.

The Dayton police statement did not identify the pair injured in the truck, but said the 80-year-old driver and 63-year-old passenger remain in serious condition.

Dayton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #44 Foundation established an online fundraiser to assist Kessio’s family with bills, housing, child care and other expenses while he and his wife are unable to work.

Credit: Balduf, Jen (COP-Dayton)

Credit: Balduf, Jen (COP-Dayton)