MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, Ohio -- A violent crash that tied up traffic for hours on Interstate 71 Monday is having a devastating impact on one local family.

The Middleburg Heights crash occurred when a pickup truck drifted across several lanes of highway traffic, plowing into a police cruiser and pinning the officer, who was writing a ticket, between the two vehicles.

SLIDESHOW: I-71 Accident Injures Police Officer, Motorist

Officer Ryan Nagy, 30, was severely injured. He was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.

He remains in critical condition Tuesday.

Middleburg Heights police Chief John Maddox said Monday was Nagy's scheduled day off, but the father of two young children chose to work overtime.

Nagy signed up to work "Operation Safe Commute," which uses state money to keep busy highways like I-71 safe.

It will be a long road to recovery for Nagy, an officer known for a sense of humor that broke the tension of police work.

The crash is still under investigation. Authorities say charges are expected against the driver of the truck.

You can make a donation at National City banks to help the Nagy family.