Colerain Township, OH (July 10, 2026) – A police officer was injured on Thursday morning, July 9, after a vehicle rear-ended a cruiser on the westbound lanes of Ronald Reagan Highway near Blue Rock Road. The collision happened at about 8:15 a.m.
Police said the officer was checking a report of a dog in the road. The cruiser’s emergency lights were activated when another vehicle hit it from behind.
After the impact, the other vehicle ended up in the eastbound lanes. Both sides of Ronald Reagan Highway were closed at Blue Rock Road while emergency units worked along the highway.
The officer was taken to a hospital and later released.
The cause of the wreck remains under review. We hope the officer continues to recover well.
Why Rear-End Crashes Involving Emergency Vehicles Can Be Serious
Rear-end crashes involving emergency vehicles can be dangerous because the stopped or slowed vehicle may be positioned near active traffic. Even with flashing lights, drivers approaching the area may need extra time and space to react.
Highway settings can raise the risk because traffic may be moving faster than on local streets. A sudden slowdown, lane shift, or distraction can make it harder to avoid a stopped cruiser or other roadside vehicle.
When a crash sends a vehicle into opposing lanes, traffic control becomes more important. Crews may need to close lanes in both directions to protect people on the road, remove damaged vehicles, and prevent another collision nearby.