Fundraisers quickly support Springfield officer

Photo provided by city of Springfield

Mark Priebe was injured in the line of duty.

Less than 24 hours after Springfield Police Department officer Mark Priebe was injured in a criminal incident, fundraisers to help him and his family have brought in more than $50,000.

A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign organized by Nathan Engelking and Ashley McGill hit its initial $30,000 goal about five hours after it was launched. A new goal of $50,000 was exceeded this morning. Now, a $100,000 goal has been set, and the fundraiser tally was $54,317 as of 12:11 p.m. The fundraiser is set up to help pay for Priebe’s medical expenses.

Priebe yesterday was struck by a suspect's vehicle in front of the Springfield Police Department's headquarters. The vehicle hit Priebe, trapping him under the vehicle before it struck a concrete bollard, according to an SPD news release.

A second officer fired shots at the suspect, identified as Jon Routh, 28, who survived and has been arrested. Routh also is facing assault charges, according to the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Prior to the incident involving Priebe, the suspect caused a disturbance inside the 321 E. Chestnut Expressway headquarters and urinated on the front door, according to the release.

The GoFundMe page indicates "Priebe has suffered extensive injuries and it is unknown if he will ever walk again." Further, the fundraiser page indicates Priebe's wife is undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments after being diagnosed with cancer in 2019.

Separately, the Springfield Police Officers' Association Relief Fund is calling on donations for Priebe and his family. Officials with the fundraiser could not be reached for comment by deadline on the amount in donations brought in so far.

Additionally, Super Klean Car Wash announced on Facebook that all of its June 10-14 proceeds would be donated to Priebe and his family.