A Springfield Township police officer and another driver were both killed during an early morning crash in North College Hill Friday.
The officer has been identified as 31-year-old Tim Unwin. The other driver is 50-year-old William Dunson of North College Hill, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office.
"We're saddened to announce the tragic accident that occurred overnight, in which two individuals were killed," Police Chief Rick Bley said at a news conference. "The accident occurred as multiple police jurisdictions were responding to an officer needs assistance call."
The wreck occurred just after midnight Friday on Hamilton Ave. near Cross County Highway.
"Tim was a four-year veteran, having served two years with the city of Hamilton and two years here at Springfield Township. This is an extremely emotional and sad day for the family and friends of the two men who died as well as for the entire Springfield Township Police Department and for community as a whole," Bley said.
Unwin graduated from Harrison High School in 2009 and Cincinnati State in 2014. He completed his OPOTC police officer training two years later at Great Oaks. The city of Hamilton says Unwin was previously employed as a corrections officer with the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
Hamilton Police Chief Craig Bucheit issued a statement saying, "While Tim's time here was brief, his impact was significant in terms of the lives he touched and the many relationships he forged."
The Hamilton County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation into what happened.
"We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of our officer and the civilian driver and to everyone impacted by this tragedy. We ask for the continued community support as well," Bley added.
