Off-Duty Police Officer Killed In Motorcycle, Car Collision
DRAVOSBURG (KDKA) -- A makeshift memorial is a harsh reminder of what happened along state round 837 the night before, a horrific crash that took the life of Robert Gogo Jr., 40. Gogo Jr. was riding his motorcycle when he collided with a car.
Investigators say it appears that Gogo Jr. was traveling southbound on Richland Avenue when he crossed the center line and struck another vehicle.
Childhood friend Norman Locke, a K9 officer with North Versailles Police, is trying to process what happened.
"It's really difficult for everybody involved from a law enforcement and first responder side because we are such a close family that guys on the scene are his friends," Patrolman Norman Locke with North Versailles Police said.
Locke has known Gogo Jr. since they were kids.
"We were raised together, grew up together, wound up here at the fire department together and that's kind of where we developed that friendship even further," Locke said.
Locke was working the night of the accident. When he found out what happened, he says he rushed to UPMC McKeesport where Gogo Jr. was pronounced dead. He leaves behind his beloved eight year old son also named Robert.
If you saw Bob off duty, Robert was with him," Locke said. "every chance he got he spent time with his son. That's gonna be really difficult."
Gogo Jr. has been an officer with the city of Duquesne for about 10 years. Before that, he worked as an EMT and part time at other police departments. Locke says he brought compassion to his job as a patrolman.
"He policed the community as the community needed," Locke said.
Golks that live near the accident scene say it's a hazardous area.
"People drive fast there's no stop signs. We talked about putting a stop light in," neighbor Kathy Hartos said.
The crash is still under investigation.
Visitation will be starting at Strifflers in White Oak on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. The funeral will be held Thursday at 9:30 p.m. at Christ Light of Life in Duquesne.
The North Versailles Police Department is in the process of setting up a memorial fund for Gogo Jr.'s son Robert. Money will go toward's Robert's care.
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