Red-light violation turns to car accident involving Kent officer

A totaled vehicle sits at on S. Depeyster Street near the 345 Flats apartment complex in the early morning on Monday, Nov. 26, 2018.

A collision involving Kent Police and another vehicle resulted in minor injuries early Monday morning.  

According to a police report, officers pursued Jaymz Mahan, 22, after he ran a red light around 12 a.m.

Mahan struck a responding cruiser while turning from S. Depeyster Street to head eastbound on E. Summit Street. Officer Nicole Watkins, the officer involved in the accident, suffered a knee injury but was able to exit the cruiser on her own. It is not clear whether she required further medical attention.

Kent officer Lee Allen cut his hand while attempting to remove Mahan from the vehicle.

Mahan was treated at University Hospitals-Kent Health Center for his injuries.

Officers had to remove Mahan from his car. He faces several charges including operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs (OVI).

Mahan pleaded not guilty in his arraignment Monday morning at the Portage County Municipal Court.

Editor’s note: The story was updated to include officers’ names and a second officer injured on the scene. 

Chris Ramos is a general assignment reporter. Contact him at [email protected].