Officer dies in crash

UPDATE 4:30 p.m. CLAY TWP. — A police officer died following a Friday traffic crash in Clay Township. Sgt. Jacob Roesler, 26, was involved in a fatal crash while responding to a separate crash, according to a Clay Township news release. The crash occurred at about 6:30 a.m. Friday morning on Ohio 51 and involved another vehicle. Clay Township is in the western part of Ottawa County near the border with Wood County. A release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol explained what occurred: • Roesler was traveling south on Ohio 51 in his Ford Explorer police cruiser, with emergency lights activated. • While crossing the intersection with Ohio 795, the cruiser was struck by a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by a 41-year-old Perrysburg man. Both vehicles went off the road and the cruiser struck a telephone pole. • Roesler was pronounced deceased at the scene; the 41-year-old Tahoe driver was transported to a hospital with minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation. Roesler was a three-year veteran of the township police department, according to the Clay Township release. "While we are mourning the loss of (Sgt.) Roesler, we are also keeping the other person who was injured in this crash in our thoughts and prayers," according to the release. "Today we mourn alongside (Sgt.) Roesler's family, friends and fellow officers as we grieve this unimaginable loss during this incredibly difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time. Community offers condolences Law enforcement personnel and ordinary citizens expressed their sorry at Roesler's death. "Our deepest condolences are extended to the family of Sgt. Jacob Roesler, as well as to the members of the Clay Township Police Department in Ottawa County, during this difficult time," the Erie County Sheriff's Office posted on social media. Ottawa County Sheriff Stephen Levorchick shared similar sentiments. "The tragic loss of Sergeant Roesler is a grim reminder of the dangers involved with law enforcement every day," he said." The men and women who patrol our county's roads every single day put their lives in danger in many different ways in an effort to ensure the safety of our citizens. "We should all take a moment to remember Sergeant Roesler and say a prayer in silence on his behalf," Levorchick continued. "It is with the deepest sympathy that myself and the deputies of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office remember Sergeant Roesler. We will support the men and women of the Clay Township Police Department during their time of grieving. We also will pray for and support Sergeant Roesler's family however possible." Sandusky police also posted: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Sgt. Jacob Roesler, and the men and women of the Clay Township Police Department. Rest in peace Sergeant." Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson also gave a statement: "Sgt. Roesler served the Clay Township community honorably and with an unwavering dedication throughout his three years with the department. His tragic passing is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day when they report for duty. We can never fully repay them for their service, heroism and sacrifice. "My sincere condolences to Sgt. Roesler's family, friends and colleagues at the Clay Township Police Department. We grieve alongside you." Original post 9:45 a.m. CLAY TWP. — A person is dead following a traffic crash in Clay Township on Friday morning. The crash occurred on Ohio 51 in the township, according to Post 17 of the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Troopers closed all lanes of traffic near the crash and they will remain closed for an "extended amount of time," Post 17 reported. Numerous troopers as well as Clay Township police officers and Ottawa County sheriff's deputies are on scene investigating the crash and maintaining the lane closures. The Ottawa County coroner was reported to be on scene as well. Separately, Post 22 of the patrol confirmed that a Clay Township police officer was involved in a motor vehicle accident this morning while on duty. It is unclear if those reported crashes are related. This is a developing news story. Check back here for updates.