Florida Sheriff's Vehicle Slammed Into by Driver During Traffic Stop
What to Know
- The crash occurred during a routine traffic stop on State Road 54 near Ballantrae Boulevard in Lutz, Florida.
- A Jeep SUV driven by Omar Malave struck the patrol vehicle, pushing it into the median and causing additional collisions with a civilian Audi.
- Neither speeding nor impairment was suspected as contributing factors, and the deputy was unharmed after evaluation.
LUTZ, Florida -- A Pasco County traffic stop crash left three drivers involved in a serious collision late Friday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred just before 10:30 p.m. on State Road 54 near Ballantrae Boulevard, when a routine traffic stop escalated into a multi-vehicle impact involving a marked patrol unit, a civilian vehicle, and a Jeep SUV, according to WFLA-TV.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 30-year-old Pasco County deputy was conducting a traffic stop with emergency lights activated. The patrol vehicle was positioned partially in the grass and inside lane when an 18-year-old female driver in an Audi A5 was stopped ahead of the patrol car.
While the deputy was outside the vehicles conducting the stop, a Jeep Compass driven by 28-year-old Omar Malave of Lutz struck the rear of the patrol vehicle. The impact forced the patrol unit into the median, where it struck a speed limit sign and a road work sign before coming to rest.
The Jeep also collided with the Audi, pushing it off the roadway and into the median, according to investigators.
Authorities said neither speeding nor impairment is currently suspected as a contributing factor in the crash. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deputy was evaluated by medical personnel and released with no reported injuries.
It remains unclear whether the Audi driver or Malave sustained injuries in the collision. The investigation is ongoing.