Holly MatkinNorth College Hill, OH – Springfield Township Police Department (STPD) Officer Timothy “Tim” Unwin died in the line of duty on Friday when he was involved in a crash while responding to a call of an officer in need of assistance.
STPD Chief Rick Bley said the deadly collision occurred at the intersection of Centerridge Avenue and Hamilton Avenue at approximately 12 a.m. on March 31, WXIX reported.
Officer Unwin, 31, was responding to an “officer in need of assistance” call when his patrol vehicle collided with a vehicle being driven by 50-year-old William Dunson, according to investigators.
Dunson had just left the grocery store moments before the collision occurred, WLWT reported.
He and Officer Unwin both died in the crash.
Chief Bley said he spent time with the families of both men in the wake of the tragedy.
He described Dunson as a loving father and husband who was a good man, WLWT reported.
Dunson would have turned 51 on Monday, Chief Bley noted.
“What struck me in each of these meetings is that Dunson’s family is not only grieving for their beloved William but also expressed condolences and support for our police department and officer Unwin’s family,” he told WLWT.
“This is an extremely emotional and sad day for the family and friends of the two men who died, as well as for the entire Springfield Township Police Department and for our community as a whole,” the police chief added.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is handling the ongoing investigation into the crash, WXIX reported.
“We don’t anticipate having [the investigation] wrapped up until late next week at the earliest,” HCSO spokesperson Kyla Woods said. “All additional media updates will come from Springfield Township Police Department. We appreciate any patience you can allow them as they move forward with public information.”
Officer Unwin served two years with the Hamilton Police Department (HPD) before he joined the STPD two years ago, WXIX reported.
“While Tim’s time here was brief, his impact was significant in terms of the lives he touched and the many relationships he forged,” HPD Chief Craig Bucheit told the news outlet.
He also spent time working as a correction officer.
Chief Bley described him as “an amazing person” and “great police officer,” according to WLWT.
“Our community was lucky that he chose to serve the citizens of Springfield Township,” he said.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost released a statement extending his condolences to the STPD and Officer Unwin’s family, WXIX reported.
“Civil society depends on selfless sacrifice, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice. We should never take their service for granted,” Yost wrote. “My deepest condolences are with Officer Unwin’s family, fellow officers and the Springfield Township community.”
Officer Unwin leaves behind his parents, as well as his brother and sister, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Officer Unwin will be laid to rest on April 5, WLWT reported.
At this time, On behalf of Police Chief Teresa Theetge and the men and women of the Cincinnati Police Department we send our prayers and condolences to the family of Police Officer Tim Unwin and the men and women of the Springfield Township Police Department. pic.twitter.com/RbnHsLOzM8
— Cincinnati Police Department (@CincyPD) March 31, 2023
We’re just outside Spring Grove Funeral Home in Northside where officers have escorted the body of Tim Unwin.
Unwin was the Springfield Township Police Officer killed in an overnight crash.
We’ll be following the story all day and bringing you the latest tonight. @FOX19 pic.twitter.com/jdU0xc7yXC
— Simone Jameson ✨ (@simonejnews) March 31, 2023
RIP. Ohio Police Officer Tim Unwin was killed in a vehicle crash while responding to an officer needs assistance call. #rip #hero #eow #PoliceOfficerTimUnwin #SpringfieldTownshipPoliceDepartment #lawenforcement #thinblueline #bluelivesmatter #backtheblue #protectingtheblue pic.twitter.com/u1tI4M2rxU
— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) March 31, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Springfield Township Police Department Officer Timothy “Tim” Unwin, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
