CINCINNATI — A Springfield Township police officer was one of two people who died in an early morning crash in North College Hill, Chief Rick Bley said at a press conference.
Bley said Officer Tim Unwin died in a crash while responding to an officer needs assistance call early Friday morning. Unwin, a has been a police officer for four years. According to the Hamilton County Coroner's Office, Unwin was 31-years-old.
"This is an extremely emotional and sad day for the family and friends of the two men who died as well as the entire Springfield Township Police Department and for our community as a whole," Bley said.
Prior to being with the Springfield Township Police Department, Unwin was with the Hamilton Police Department for almost two years.
"While Tim's time here was brief, his impact was significant in terms of the lives he touched and the many relationships he forged," Hamilton PD Chief Craig Bucheit said.
Bley said the crash investigation is being handled by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office identified the other driver as 50-year-old William Dunson.
According to the address provided on the coroner's report, Dunson lived less than a mile from the crash site.
Hamilton Avenue was closed between Clovernoll Drive and Centerridge Avenue near Ronald Reagan in North College Hill for around five hours as crews worked to clear the scene. The roadway reopened shortly before 6 a.m.
The crash occurred just after midnight Friday. The police cruiser is almost unrecognizable. Another vehicle involved also has heavy damage.
Shortly after the Hamilton Avenue crash, a Colerain Township police officer was involved in another crash at Pippin Road and Springdale Road in Colerain Township.
Colerain Township PD PIO Jim Love said the Colerain Township officer was responding to the scene on Hamilton Avenue. The officer was taken to the hospital. Love said the officer suffered minor injuries.
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