Deputy's Cruiser Collides With Vehicle in Manchester, Sparks Safety Concerns

On the night of November 16, 2025, an Adams County Sheriff's deputy responding to a call collided with another vehicle at the intersection of Washington Street and E. 6th Street in the Village of Manchester. Two people in the other vehicle sustained minor injuries and were taken to Adams County Regional Medical Center in a private vehicle. The deputy suffered a minor injury that was treated at the scene and was released, the Sheriff's Office said.

A witness whose home surveillance camera captured the crash said the deputy's cruiser failed to slow for a stop sign and that no lights or siren were activated at the time. The Ohio State Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the incident, and the Sheriff's Office has not provided additional comment about whether emergency lights or siren were engaged. Local television station WCPO published video of the collision and a witness interview.

The intersection where the crash occurred has attracted attention from neighbors who described it as lacking stop signs for vehicles approaching on Washington Street and positioned at the bottom of a hill. Residents said the geometry and sight lines at the crossing raise safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians and local children who walk nearby. After the crash, neighbors asked village and county leaders to consider additional traffic controls, including measures designed to slow traffic and improve visibility.

For Adams County residents, the incident raises two immediate issues. The first is safety at a location used by people who live and work in the Village of Manchester. If sight lines and traffic controls are inadequate, the risk of further collisions could remain elevated, particularly during poor weather or low light. The second issue is the operational practices of emergency responders when traveling to calls. The outcome of the Ohio State Highway Patrol investigation may clarify whether departmental procedures were followed and whether any adjustments to training or policy are warranted.

At the community level, the crash is likely to prompt discussion among village officials, the county sheriff and state troopers about both short term and longer term remedies. Short term actions could include temporary signage or increased enforcement to calm traffic. Longer term steps might involve an engineering review of the intersection, traffic studies and community input sessions to balance emergency response needs with everyday safety for pedestrians and drivers.

As the Ohio State Highway Patrol continues its review, residents and leaders in Adams County are seeking clear answers and practical steps to prevent a repeat. The questions raised touch on local traffic safety, the transparency of investigations involving law enforcement, and the need to protect vulnerable road users in a small community where pedestrian activity is common.