Portsmouth city councilman Joey Sandlin was rear-ended by a Portsmouth City Police detective who was driving an unmarked vehicle in New Boston. A chain reaction followed involving two other vehicles. Seven people and four vehicles were involved in the accident, according to the crash report.
In addition to getting the official crash report, we also spoke with the New Boston and Portsmouth City police departments.
According to the New Boston Police Department, officers do not need to turn on their body cams when responding to accidents. Additionally, they told us that no alcohol or drug test was requested at the scene. According to their note, “this would have been done through employer”.
Portsmouth Police Chief Debby Brewer confirmed that alcohol and drug tests are mandatory for all accidents that occur while on duty. This is the statement Chief Brewer issued regarding the incident and the officer involved. “Detective Crapyou was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries and the testing. The reason New Boston officers did not test him is because he was not impaired. There are indicators that officers go by when responding to OVI crashes. Detective Crapyou had none of the indicators.”
An ambulance transported Sandlin to SOMC from the scene of the accident. The councilman respectfully declined to make public comments so as not to interfere with the investigation or subsequent response.
Police in New Boston cited the officer for failing to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle (ORC 4511.21a).