Original Article Tempe cops blackout, crash investigated By Dennis Welch, Tribune May 19, 2005 Tempe police are investigating a crash in which an officer blacked out and drove his patrol car into a bus stop, injuring a 56-year-old man. Cmdr. Mike Ringo, 54, lost consciousness about 7:30 p.m. Tuesday while driving north on Kyrene Road, said officer Brandon Banks. The cruiser veered right along Guadalupe Road, jumped the curb and hit Michael Buehler, who was waiting for a bus. Buehler was taken to Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix with two broken legs and a concussion. Police would not say Wednesday why Ringo blacked out. The 27-year department veteran will undergo a medical evaluation before he is allowed to resume his duties, police said, and the medical clearance will list the conditions under which he may go back to work. There are no policies that would prevent Ringo from driving a city vehicle in the future, officials said. "Were going to do everything that is in the best interest of public safety," said Tempe Police Chief Ralph Tranter. At this time, Tranter said the main concerns are the health of Buehler and Ringo. Contact Dennis Welch by email, or phone (480) 898-6573