Columbus police officer Melissa Foster died early Saturday morning after her cruiser collided head-on with a pickup truck Driven by Jacob Harper. Authorities said that Officer Melissa Foster was responding to a call at 1 a.m. when the truck crossed the center line and hit her cruiser. The 35-year-old officer was transported by helicopter to Grant Medical Center where she died. The accident happened on Gender Road, on the city's southeast side. Foster was responding to a call about a prowler and was following another cruiser. Officials said the first cruiser swerved to miss the oncoming truck before it hit Foster's vehicle. Foster was not using the lights and sirens on her cruiser. The crash is under investigation.
Alcohol could have been a factor in the crash. Police said that the driver of the truck also was also transported to Grant with non-life-threatening injuries.

Foster was a mother of two young children 4-year-old Elaine and 1-year-old Owen. She had been a Columbus police officer for seven years.

Agency Information:
Columbus Division of Police
120 Marconi Blvd
Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: 614-645-4545

                  

I am sorry to hear about your lose. We just lost a great Police Officer too. I know what you are going through. My prayers will be with the family and department.

BRISTOL POLICE DEPT, TN
Dispatcher, JODY RUTLEDGE
BTPD154@CHARTER.NET

Date: 12/11/2004
Time: 04:09 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with Officer Foster's family, and hugs and tears for the children, for my
heart is breaking for them all. I am so sorry for your loss, and may you find comfort from your faith, and the fellowship of the blue.

Christy K, NJ
katwoman@exit109.com

Date: 12/05/2004
Time: 07:27 AM

God rest Mark's soul. My deepest prayers go to his family and members of the Bristol PD. Words cannot describe the sorrow they must be feeling.

Somerset KY Police Dept.
Lieutenant, Jim Rutherford
jimspd10@yahoo.com

Date: 12/02/2004
Time: 11:28 PM

Walk tall, walk tall and protect us from above with honor and dignity. May you lead the charge for
citizens right in heaven as you did here on earth

Darrell Thompson
Privet Security Officer St. Clair Co. MI,
Community College Campus Patrol #14
darrell@policespecial.com
www.sc4.edu

Rest in peace, and may God allow him to keep watch over us on earth while he patrols his beat
in heaven. Our prayers go out to the Officer and his Department and family. May they all find peace in their hearts soon.

From all the Staff at Police Special Inc.