Hamilton police sergeant killed in off-duty crash

HAMILTON, Ohio (WKRC) -- The Hamilton Police Department mourned Wednesday, Oct. 21, after an officer was killed in an off-duty crash. Hamilton Police said 55-year-old Sgt. Gerald "Jerry" Butler died Tuesday, October 20. It appears Sgt. Butler was on his way home from work at 10 p.m. when his car went off Ohio 177 near Sommerville Road. His was the only car involved in the crash. According the police department's Facebook page, Sergeant Butler began working at Hamilton Police Department in 1994 at the age of 34. He was promoted to Detective in 2006 and to his current position of Sergeant January 30, 2010. Chief Craig Bucheit said, "I remember those days fondly, of him being a mentor. He was in his late 30s and I was in my 20s and new to the profession, and Jerry was at a different point in his life and the insight and maturity he brought to the profession was great for me as a new officer." The department will be in a period of mourning in his honor, until Saturday, November 21. The crash is still under investigation. Funeral arrangements are not yet complete. (Photo: Hamilton Police Dept.) Follow us on Twitter @Local12 and LIKE us on Facebook for updates!