COLUMBUS, Ohio — An officer with the Columbus Division of Police was seriously hurt after being struck by a vehicle Sunday evening.
Police say officer Hansel Henry was assisting a vehicle that was disabled on Interstate 670 westbound at the 4th Street ramp. Henry was using a marked cruiser with the beacon lights activated.
Henry was standing on the freeway assisting the motorist when the driver of a Honda Odyssey minivan hit the marked cruiser, striking the officer.
Henry was taken to Grant Medical Center with serious injuries but is expected to survive, according to police. No other injuries were reported.
The driver who struck the officer remained at the scene.
“We are grateful the city of Columbus has not lost a police officer this morning,” said Columbus Police Commander Duane Mabry.
Mabry explains the next thing Henry said he remembered was waking up on the ground.
Columbus police are still investigating the crash. They don't believe drugs or alcohol are factors, but it's likely distracted driving.
“Even if you look down, this driver looked down for a split second, this is impacting someone's life. Not just someone's life, but an entire family's life,” Mabry said.
This is the second time in a week a law enforcement officer has been outside their cruiser and struck by another vehicle.
Last Monday, Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper Adrian Wilson was hit by Alea Weil. She has been charged with aggravated vehicular assault and possession of fentanyl.
“It's the second this week. It is really horrifying. If you look at last year, according to officer down memorial page, over three dozen officers in this country have been killed in automotive accidents such as this. It just shows the dangers our officers face every day,” said Fraternal Order of Police Capital City Lodge #9 Vice President Brian Steel.
Last year 133 ODOT crews were struck on the roads, and 16 this year.
Another reason why police are reminding you of Ohio's move over law.
“Think about more than just yourself. Think about the families that are out there on the road,” Mabry said.