HEBRON | A volunteer officer with the Hebron Police Department crashed his Ford Explorer into a house while responding to a call Monday night.

The officer was driving home from the police station in his personal vehicle when he heard a report of a man with a gun in the town's Burger King restaurant, so he responded to assist the on-duty officer.

But while volunteer Robert O'Dea was en route to the scene, he lost control of his Ford Explorer and crashed into the attached garage at the home of Michael Brawner, 137 Elm Court. The crash resulted in a natural gas leak at the home and caused $50,000 to $100,000 damage to the vehicle and garage.

At the time of the crash, O'Dea was approaching a curve and passing a vehicle. He was unable to estimate his speed. Police said Brawner, whose home was struck, is a firefighter in Hebron.

O'Dea, 43, a five-year member of the police reserves who has reached the rank of lieutenant, complained of leg pain after the crash, but declined medical treatment.

The call to which he was responding shortly after 10:30 p.m. Monday turned out to be nothing. A bounty hunter had been scuffling with a wanted person, but got the situation under control before police arrived.

Hebron Police Chief Steven Sibbrell said Wednesday that the crash is unfortunate, but he praised O'Dea and the other volunteers for selflessly devoting their time to protect the town and save taxpayers money.