Off-duty Officer Killed In Crash, Driver Arrested
January 29, 2019
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An off-duty Clearcreek Township police officer died in a head-on crash in Clermont County Monday night, and the other motorist is under arrest.
Jerrid Lee, 27, of Bethel, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 8:30 p.m. collision on Ohio 125 near Lindale-Mount Holly Road in Amelia, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
“Officer Lee was a fine and dedicated young police officer, who was committed to our community and its people," said Clearcreek Township Administrator Matthew J. Clark.
"It was our good fortune to have known him for the relatively short time that we did (year-and-a-half), and our hearts ache for his family. He will be terribly missed.”
The officer was on his way to work out at a gym before going into work when an eastbound 2006 GMC Envoy crossed the center lane on Ohio 125 and struck his westbound 1997 Honda Civic head-on, troopers said.
The SUV driver, Justin M. Watts, 31, of Cincinnati, declined medical treatment at the scene, patrol officials wrote in a news release.
They suspect Watts was impaired by drugs and say it was a contributing factor to the crash.
He was arrested on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter and booked into the Clermont County Jail shortly after 1 a.m., jail officials said.
Watts, who also lives in Bethel, is scheduled to make his first court appearance in the case at 10 a.m.
Both vehicles sustained heavy damage and came to a stop in the westbound lanes, according to OSP.
Lee wore his seatbelt; Watts did not, patrol officials said.
Watts has an extensive criminal record in Clermont County, court records show.
Justin Watts has been cited or charged 21 times since 2005, according to dockets
Offenses include a 2009 charge of driving under influence of alcohol/drugs, 2011 cases of drug trafficking & possessing drug abuse instruments, 2010 count of assault... pic.twitter.com/1AUGOYcELj
— Jennifer Edwards Baker (@jbakerohio) January 29, 2019
We have requested his driving record from the Ohio Department of Pubic Safety and will update this story once they release it.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officials and agencies are continuing to reach out to Clearcreek Township police as they grieve the loss of one of their own.
“It’s always sickening when I get notified about this type of incident,” Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell wrote on Facebook. “Please keep Officer Lee’s family, friends, and the entire Clearcreek Township Police Department in your prayers. Way too young.”
Just last year, a Clearcreek Township police sergeant died unexpectedly. Sgt. Larry Cornett collapsed, 43, and died at home in what was described at the time as a heart attack.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Clearcreek Township Police Department and to the family of Officer Jerrid Lee. Rest In Peace Brother ?? pic.twitter.com/vlwGq2QZC2
— Clermont Co Sheriff (@ClermontSheriff) January 29, 2019
