1 dead in vehicle crash with police cruiser

[yfdgricker]

From the WYTV Channel 33 Web Site on 10/20/2005...

A veteran Youngstown police officer is recovering at home following a terrible crash early Thursday morning that left another man dead.

It happened just after midnight at the corner of Williamson and Erie.

We're told detective sergeant William Ross was heading east on Williamson with his lights and siren activated when another car driven by Frank Berry collided with the cruiser.

Berry was killed in the wreck.

Police are still looking into the crash.

[yfdgricker]

From the WFMJ TV21 Web Site on 10/20/2005...

Police Investigate Deadly Cruiser Accident
Michelle Nicks

A two-car accident involving a Youngstown Police cruiser turns deadly.

The driver of the other car, 52-year-old Frank Berry of Youngstown, died at the scene from his injuries.

The cruiser driven by 14-year-police veteran Bill Ross had lights and sirens on, according to witnesses when the deadly collision occurred that killed 52-year-old Frank Berry of Youngstown.

Investigators are reviewing the 911 tapes to see if Detective Sergeant Ross was dispatched to an emergency or was calling in one.

"He could have been responding to something he initially say," says Lt. Rod Foley. "He didn't have a chance to get on the radio and put himself out."

The collision happened just after midnight, as the marked car was East bound on Williamson Avenue and Berry's Delta '88 was Southbound on Erie Street.

It's at the intersection and a four-way traffic light where the crash occurred. It's unclear who had a green light.

An autopsy will be performed on Berry, and among the routine tests, toxicology to see if alcohol was a factor at all.

Sergeant Bill Ross was treated at the hospital and is now recovering at home from his injuries.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol has been called in to assist with the investigation.