Patrolman George R. Knaff

George R. Knaff

Patrolman George Knaff succumbed to his injuries when a drunk driver ran a stop sign and struck his patrol car at 1:23 a.m. on South Hawkins Street in Akron.

Patrolman Knaff and his partner were responding to a man with a gun call. His partner was driving south on South Hawkins Street when a truck pulled out in front of them at Lawton Street. The patrol car landed on its side, and the truck flipped upside down. The subject ran from the scene but was apprehended the following day at his home.

Patrolman Knaff was transported to Akron General Medical Center, where he died after emergency surgery.

The 32-year-old man was convicted of vehicular homicide and drunk driving and was sentenced to 4 to 10 years. On June 20, 2000, so many Akron police officers showed up at the drunk driver's parole hearing that he withdrew his application. In 2005, he was released. On December 12, 2009, he was charged with drunk driving again.

Patrolman Knaff had served with the Akron Police Department for four years. He was survived by his daughter.