State trooper charged after Huron County crash
An Ohio State Highway Patrol trooper was charged with OVI, failure to control, driving while texting and improper handling of a firearm after crashing a patrol car in Huron County, the patrol reports.
The trooper, identified as Tashawna Berry, is accused of being impaired at the time of the crash, the patrol said via email Wednesday.
At 7:07 p.m. Feb. 8, a trooper was traveling northwest on State Route 601 near milepost 2 in Huron County in a marked patrol car, the patrol reports.
"The vehicle went off the right side of the roadway and struck a utility pole and then a tree," the patrol added.
No injuries were reported.
WJW-TV of Cleveland obtained a photo of the crashed patrol car.
"Immediate action was taken following the incident involving Tashawna Berry, whose actions do not reflect the values of our agency," the patrol said in a statement. "Mrs. Berry was immediately removed from duty and is currently on administrative leave without pay."
"The patrol is dedicated to safety and the earned trust of the public," the statement also said. "This case remains under investigation and the Patrol is fully cooperating with the Huron County Prosecutor's Office."