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Driver ranted about police before crashing into Cuyahoga Falls cruisers, injuring officer

Posted at 12:53 PM, Jul 25, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-25 17:32:39-04

The driver who crashed into multiple police cruisers in Cuyahoga Falls over the weekend, seriously injuring one officer, went on a rant about police before he started driving erratically, according to officials.

The 46-year-old man, whose name has not been released, called police around 1:20 a.m. Saturday and started "going off" about cops, according to police chief Jack Davis. 

A dispatcher took a 911 call-- laced with with expletives-- that lasted 32 seconds. The driver can be heard saying, "I'll kill you mother (expletives).

He then crashed into multiple vehicles in the parking lot of the police station, according to the chief.

Officer Ted Davis, an 11-year veteran of the department, was on patrol when he heard what was going on. He was responding to the area when the suspect slammed into his cruiser, nearly head-on, on Broad Blvd by 14th Street.

Davis is recovering at Summa Akron City Hospital. He suffered internal injuries as well as injuries to his lower body. 

"They are serious injuries. The prognosis long-term is he will be okay, but he's still hospitalized," Chief Davis said.

The driver is also at a local hospital. The law department is trying to determine what charges will be filed. 

After the crash, the driver revealed to police that he had set his house on fire on Cutler Parkway in Akron.

Akron firefighters responded and found a working fire that caused major damage. The department's arson unit is now investigating possible charges.

According to chief Davis, the only other dealing the suspect had with Cuyahoga Falls police was in 2015. He was involved in a call regarding disorderly conduct but no charges were filed. 

Chief Davis said investigators obtained a search warrant and are looking at the driver's computer. Police dash camera video, which may have captured the crash, will also be reviewed.