Community Mourns Death Of Perryopolis Police Officer
PERRYOPOLIS (KDKA) - The death of Officer Richard Champion marks the first time that a Perryopolis Police officer has been killed in the line of duty.
According to officials at the scene, the two-vehicle accident happened on Route 51 in Perryopolis around 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
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.
Community members in the small, tight-knit town were left somber by the news.
Police Chief Roger Beadling says Officer Champion's wife was with her mother when officers explained the tragic events.
"They came down to the station last night about 6 p.m., we spoke with her, explained everything that happened," Beadling says.
Community members like A.J. Boni are heartbroken for both Champion's family and for Andy Bohatch who was driving the other car involved.
He was critically injured.
"Bohatch's have owned the Big Barn Country store on [Route] 51 for an awful long time. Many decades through their family. So, it's just a hit for the community in general and our prayers and condolences goes out to both families," Boni said.
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.
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