The driver of a Chrysler vehicle was killed on the spot following a crash with an Orlando Police Department (OPD) squad car at the intersection of Grand National and I-Drive around 4:00 am, on Monday.
A statement from OPD said that Officer Neal Chase, was traveling south on Grand National Drive around 4:00 am, on Monday, approaching the intersection of International Drive. A Chrysler driven by Jean Daniel Edmond, 46 years, of Pointe Vista Circle, Orlando, was heading east in the right thru lane on I-Drive, approaching the intersection of Grand National Drive.
Witnesses said that the OPD squad car–a Chevy Impala–proceeded to travel through the intersection on a green traffic signal, as the black Chrysler, continued east through the intersection, disregarding the red traffic signal. The front of the squad car struck the driver’s side of the Chrysler. Edmond was pronounced dead on the spot.
Officer Chase suffered minor injuries and was transported to ORMC.
A passenger with Edmond, Max Jacques, Jr., 28 years, of Calendula Drive in Orlando, also suffered minor injuries as a result of the crash and was taken to ORMC.
Officer Chase is assigned to Patrol Bureau and was hired by OPD in June 2009.
OPD THU along with troopers of the Florida Highway Patrol are investigating the crash.
The number of traffic homicides, to date, in Orlando is now 24, while pedestrian fatalities, so far, total 8.
