Original Article Police officer blacks out, car hits transient Katie Nelson The Arizona Republic May. 19, 2005 12:00 AM TEMPE - A Tempe police commander blacked out while driving and crashed his car Tuesday night, injuring a man waiting at a bus stop. Cmdr. Mike Ringo, a 27-year veteran who oversees patrol in the southern part of the city, was on duty and in uniform at the time. Ringo was driving north on Kyrene Road about 7:30 p.m., police said. He was approaching Guadalupe Road driving a department-issued, unmarked 1996 Chevy Lumina. Witnesses said the white Lumina veered into the curb. The car then continued north with Ringo unconscious at the wheel, police said. The car crossed through the intersection of Kyrene and Guadalupe roads and careened into a concrete bench, striking Michael Craig Buehler. "I heard everyone screaming and then saw this guy flying in the air," said Sarah Klinedinst, who saw the crash. Buehler has two broken legs, a concussion and a possible broken back, police said, but is expected to survive. The 56-year-old transient is being treated at Maricopa Medical Center. Police said momentum kept Ringo's car moving for about another quarter of a mile. "The next thing he remembers is being woken up by a citizen who saw the accident, knocking on the window," Sgt. Dan Masters said. Ringo, 54, was brought to Tempe St. Luke's Hospital. He was still hospitalized Wednesday while doctors try to determine what caused the blackout, police said. Investigators said excessive speed, alcohol or drugs were not factors, Masters said.