GPD officer hospitalized after single-car crash

A Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officer remains hospitalized after sustaining non-life threatening injuries in a single-car crash Wednesday morning. 

According to a GDP press release late Thursday, Sergeant Jeffrey Kerkau lost control of his GPD patrol car at about 3:10 am near the intersection of Newberry Road and SW 175th Street. 

“Sergeant Kerkau was the sole occupant of the vehicle and there were no other vehicles involved in the incident,” the release said, noting he was on the way home after his shift and the road was wet. 

While Kerkau’s injuries were non-life threatening, he remains hospitalized at UF Health Shands as of Thursday evening, according to the release. 

“The Gainesville Police Department family extends our best wishes and prayers to the Kerkau family for a speedy recovery,” the release said. 

Many well-wishers quickly echoed those sentiments on the GDP Facebook page. 

“Prayers for a speedy recovery, Sarge,” wrote Debbe Blankenship Duffie.

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and the Vehicle Incident Review Board will also review it.