Ohio police officer dies in head-on car crash

BATAVIA, Ohio (AP) — Authorities say an SUV crossed the center line of a highway and collided with a car driven by an off-duty police officer who was killed in the head-on crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says Officer Jerrid Lee of the Clearcreek Township Police Department died at the scene of the collision that occurred about 8:30 p.m. Monday on state Route 125 in Batavia Township.

The patrol release says the SUV was driven by Justin Watts, 31, and drug impairment is suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. The release says Watts declined medical treatment.

Clerrmont County Municipal Court records show the Cincinnati man was arrested on a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide. Court records don’t show an attorney for Watts.

Officials say an investigation into the accident is ongoing.