Dayton police recruit severely injured in crash released from hospital

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

A Dayton police recruit who was critically injured in a crash more than two weeks ago on state Route 4 has been released from the hospital.

Dayton police announced on Facebook Tuesday Solomon Kessio was released from Miami Valley Hospital and is continuing his recovery.

Three other members of the police department — Sgt. Stephen Hargraves, 52, and recruits Jessica Harris, 22, and Erick Santos, 35 — who were also injured in the crash have also been released.

“The Dayton Police Department and Kessio family appreciate all of the support and ask for your continued prayers for all involved in this crash,” the Facebook post read.

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Credit: Balduf, Jen (COP-Dayton)

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Credit: Balduf, Jen (COP-Dayton)

Kessio, 39, suffered a skull fracture and three broken ribs in a crash around 2:45 p.m. Oct. 5 on state Route 4 between the exits for Stanley Avenue and Harshman Road.

A Reichard Buick GMC pickup truck hit a marked cruiser parked on the shoulder of the road.

Kessio was standing between the cruiser and a guardrail when the 2017 GMC Sierra struck the cruiser, a 2020 Dodge Durango, while the other three were inside, according to the crash report.

The driver of the truck, 80-year-old Charles Turner of Beavercreek, and passenger Timothy Wallick, 63, of Kettering, were listed in stable condition at Miami Valley Hospital, police said earlier this month.

Dayton police cruisers line up in front of Miami Valley Hospital after a police recruit was seriously injured Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, when a pickup truck crashed into a cruiser during a training exercise on state Route 4. A Dayton police supervisor and two other recruits also were injured in the crash. JIM NOELKER/STAFF

Credit: Jim Noelker

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Credit: Jim Noelker

The recruits were with the sergeant doing traffic enforcement training using a laser at the time of the crash, Chief Kamran Afzal said previously.

The recruits are members of the 114th recruit class and started their training on March 27.

Dayton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #44 Foundation established an online fundraiser to assist Kessio’s family with bills, housing, child care and other expenses while he and his wife are unable to work.

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