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Man charged for ramming cruiser and hosptializing officer

Posted at 1:00 PM, Jul 23, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-06 13:36:46-04

UPDATE: Donald Watson Jr. was charged

On Friday, Akron man Donald Watson Jr., 46, was charged by Cuyahoga Falls Police Department with attempted murder, felonious assault of a law enforcement officer and fleeing and eluding related to the ramming of Cuyahoga Falls police officer Ted Davis's cruiser. All charges are felonies. Watson has been transported to Summit County Jail. 

The statement from the Davis family:

The Davis family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring show of support that they have received over the past few days. The gestures of love, prayers, and gifts are all deeply appreciated. At this time, they have turned their attention to Ted's recovery, but are very aware of each and every act of kindness. Many people have expressed a desire to help. A fund has been set up for the family at the Falls Catholic Credit Union. Anyone wishing to contribute can contact the credit union directly at 330 929 7341 or by stopping in at 33 Graham Rd. Cuyahoga Falls. Ted has a very long road to recovery ahead of him and the Davis family is grateful for your continued prayers and support.

A Cuyahoga Falls police officer was seriously injured Saturday after his cruiser was struck on Broad Boulevard by a person who had just crashed into several other vehicles at the police station.

Around 1:18 a.m. a driver entered the police parking lot and ran into parked patrol cars causing significant damage and then fled the scene, officials said.

Officers gave chase but during the pursuit the suspect driver purposely crashed into 11-year veteran Ptl. Ted Davis' vehicle, police said. 

Davis sustained serious but non life-threatening injuries. The suspect, who has not been identified, was also transported to the hospital.

Police said Davis was still in the hospital as of Sunday afternoon. 

In a statement on Facebook, he police department provided an update: 

Updated information. The officer involved in the crash Saturday morning is Ptl. Ted Davis a 11 year veteran of the force. He currently is still hospitalized . We will continue to work with and respect his families wishes on information regarding his condition. The family and our department is grateful for all the concerns and well wishes from the community.