Perryopolis Officer Dies In 2-Vehicle Crash
PERRYOPOLIS (KDKA) – A Perryopolis Police officer died in a car crash in Fayette County Sunday afternoon.
According to officials at the scene, the two-vehicle accident happened on Route 51 in Perryopolis around 1:30 p.m.
Police identified the officer as Richard Champion.
Witnesses say Champion's car was in pursuit when he crashed into an SUV, then caught fire as they watched in horror.
After Champion's car caught fire, witnesses say they tried to extinguish it, but weren't able to. The witnesses say Champion's car was locked, one person even tried using a hammer to get into the car, but was unsuccessful.
"We have approximately eight officers in our department," said Perryopolis Police Chief Roger Beadling, "and yes it is a tragic day, we lost one of our own."
The other driver, an owner of a deli, was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in unknown condition.
Champion was father to a 16-month-old baby and was an Iraq War veteran. He joined the Perryopolis Police force about 8 months ago.
"Our heart goes out to the family," said State Police Lt. Jeff Fisher, "and it is a definite tragedy."
"Excellent officer, outstanding officer, he was a great asset to our department and I was very proud to work with him, I was very proud of him and I was very proud to have him as an officer and with the Perryopolis Borough Police Department," said Beadling.
State Police are investigating the crash.
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