New Middletown officer injured in crash in serious condition

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The New Middletown officer who crashed his cruiser into a guardrail and two concrete barriers on Loveland Road Thursday afternoon is in serious condition, police Chief Vince D’Egidio said.

Detective Phillip Schaper, eight-year veteran of the department, suffered several facial fractures and a broken arm and is at St. Elizabeth Health Center downtown.

Schaper, who is diabetic, experienced an extreme medical emergency when his blood-sugar level dropped drastically, dazing Schaper while he was behind the wheel, D’Egidio said.

Schaper totaled his cruiser, which is at the police department, D’Egidio said. He added that Schaper was wearing his seat belt and a bulletproof vest. That and the air bag saved his life, D’Egidio said.

D’Egidio added that this is the first incident involving Schaper related to his medical issue. He said Schaper’s family doctor plans to look into why his blood-sugar level suddenly dropped once the investigation is complete.

Youngstown police are investigating the accident.