A Rutland police officer and a woman were taken to the hospital following a head-on collision on West Street this afternoon.

Shortly after 2 p.m., police and emergency medical teams were called to the heart of the downtown where the crash took place in front of 138 West St. near the post office.

Officer Gary Tobin, 52, was transported to Rutland Regional Medical Center following the wreck, according to police and other city officials at the scene.

Tobin's condition wasn't immediately available, but police and city Public Works employees who helped remove him from his cruiser said the officer looked pale, was unconscious and in poor condition.

Police said he regained consciousness en route to the hospital and was reported to be alert.

His cruiser, which was traveling west, was situated in the east bound lane after the impact -- its front end compressed against a black Mercedes.

A woman, who was not immediately identified, was driving the Mercedes and was also taken to RRMC.

She was conscious and alert as rescue workers loaded her into an ambulance.


The accident is being investigated by Vermont State Police who did not comment at the scene.

One witness, who works at the nearby Citizens Bank, said she saw the cruiser accelerate and cross into the oncoming lane before the crash.