MOUNT VERNON — A Mount Vernon Police Officer was cited on Friday for a red light violation after allegedly causing an accident at the intersection of West Chestnut Street and Ohio 13.
Lt. Chad McGinty of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Mount Gilead Post, said that the officer in question, Patrolman Dave McElroy, did stop at the intersection but “just didn’t clear the intersection before proceeding through.” McElroy was issued a citation by the patrol.
The driver of the other vehicle, 37-year-old Randall Johnston, and his two sons aged 5 and 7, were transported by squad to Knox Community Hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Carol Wagner of KCH said all three were treated and released.
Mount Vernon Police Capt. George Hartz said the police cruiser was heavily damaged on the front end. McElroy reported he was unharmed.
Mount Vernon Safety-Services Director David Glass said the city was waiting for the official report from the patrol, and would then inform the city’s insurance company about the matter.
“Any time a city vehicle is involved in an accident we want a full report and go over the incident with department heads,” said Glass. “Emergency vehicles, even when on a run, are still required to use due caution.”
Glass added that there are as yet no damage estimates from the crash.
