NORTON SHORES, Mich. (WJBK) -
Authorities say a police officer has died after a crash involving his cruiser while on duty in western Michigan.
Norton Shores police say an area resident reported the single-vehicle crash around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police say the officer was taken to a hospital and died.
According to the Muskegon County Sheriff's Office, the police officer has been identified as Jon Ginka. Police said the 10-year veteran leaves behind a wife and two children.
Michigan State Police are investigating what led to the crash, which destroyed the cruiser. Considering the massive damage to the cruiser, the way it left the roadway and the lack of skid marks, he must have been speeding way too much. It is also possible he was drunk or on drugs, as most drunk-related crashes occur in the early a.m. hours, like here.
Another possibility is that he had a medical condition, because he was severely overweight.
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Officer Jon Ginka Killed
Norton Shores, MI – Norton Shores Police Officer Jon Ginka was killed in a traffic collision early Wednesday morning, May 10.
According to WOOD TV8, the incident occurred about 2:32 AM on Henry Street between Ross and Forest Park Roads. A citizen reported hearing the crash. Officers responded and found Officer Ginka’s vehicle destroyed and the officer severely injured.
He was transported to Mercy Health Muskegon’s Hackley Hospital, where he died.
The cause of the crash is not known at this time. For some unknown reason Officer Ginka’s cruiser apparently left the roadway and struck a tree. No other vehicles are known to be involved, and no other injuries have been reported. Police are asking any possible witnesses to come forward so they can determine what happened.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Norton Shores Police Department, 231-733-2691 or to leave an anonymous tip by calling Silent Observer at 231-72-CRIME
Officer Ginka was a ten-year veteran of the Norton Shores Police Department, and formerly worked as a North Muskegon firefighter.
Todd Christensen, instructor at the Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s police academy, said “It’s a terrible day and I’m with a broken heart.”
Officer Ginka leaves behind a wife and two children. The Norton Shores Police Department is closed Thursday as a result of his death.
Many state leaders and law enforcement groups were sending condolences via social media, including State Attorney General A. G. ‘Bill’ Schuette, who sent prayers to Officer Ginka’s family and friends.
Michigan State Police is conducting the investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Norton Shores Police Officer Jon Ginka, both blood and blue. Godspeed, sir, we will take the watch from here. Thank you for your service.