SIDNEY — A Sidney Police officer and his K9 escaped serious injury after the cruiser they were in was struck head-on by another vehicle early Sunday morning.
According to the Sidney Police Department, at 1:55 a.m. Sunday, a vehicle driven by Dane Rike, 27, of Sidney, pulled out of a private business on the southside of state Route 47. He was driving eastbound in the westbound lane of traffic and struck a police cruiser driven by Officer Rodney Robbins, who was on patrol.
Robbins and his K9 partner, Duke, were westbound on state Route 47 at the time of the accident. After the head-on collision, several air bags deployed in the vehicle. The accident caused disabling damage to both vehicles.
“Officer Robbins handled himself extremely professionally and was a credit to the department during the incident,” said Sidney Police Chief Will Balling. “Immediately after the accident he called in the information to dispatch and went over to check the on the safety and well-being of the driver that had hit his vehicle. He was immediately confronted by an individual who refused all of his verbal commands and attempted to challenge him.
“Officer Robbins kept his composure and used a high level of professionalism and courage to try to detain the driver. The driver continued to refuse all verbal commands and (Robbins’s) taser was deployed. Throughout all of it, Officer Robbins continued to show his compassion to the individual and ensure that he was okay until the medics and other officers arrived,” said Balling.
Robbins and Duke received minor injuries in the accident. Rike received minor injuries and was evaluated at the scene by the Sidney Fire Department. Rike refused all medical treatment.
“We would also like to thank the Ohio State Highway Patrol department who responded to the area also to ensure that Officer Robbins was okay. We appreciate their support and back up,” said Balling.
Rike was charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence, obstructing justice and resisting arrest. He was also charged with driving left of center. He appeared in Sidney Municipal Court on Monday, April 18, for his initial appearance.
“This year alone 13 officers have been killed in traffic related accidents,” said Balling. “This was a very serious accident and reminds us how important it is to be careful while patrolling and doing our sworn duty. I am very thankful that all of the parties involved were not seriously injured.”
