Deputy Rear-Ended Another Deputy, Officials Say

A Thursday morning crash in Clearwater that left some roads closed to traffic occurred when one Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy accidentally rear-ended another.

According to the sheriff’s office, Deputy Bridgett Morris was heading north on the U.S. 19 Frontage Road around 5:48 a.m. in a marked cruiser. She had her emergency equipment activated as she was heading to a call about an emotionally distressed person. Deputy Eric Ford was traveling behind Morris in his own cruiser at the time, responding to the same call.

As Morris approached Haines Bayshore Road, she slowed her cruiser down for a bicyclist who was crossing in front of her. Ford, however, was unable to stop and struck Morris’ cruiser from behind, the sheriff’s office said.

Both deputies were taken to Largo Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. They have both been released. No other injuries were reported in the crash.

The crash closed a portion of Frontage Road and a section of Haines Bayshore Thursday morning.

The investigation continues with no further details being released at this time.

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