Officer Recovering After Crashing into Tree

A Redington Shores man was cited for causing a crash in Clearwater Sunday that sent a police officer to the hospital.

The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. at Drew Street and Evergreen Avenue when a 2003 Kia turned in front of a marked patrol car driven by Officer Lauren Josey. While Josey swerved and avoided striking the car, her 2001 Ford smashed into a tree, an email from the department stated.

Josey, who was on duty at the time, was taken to Morton Plant Hospital for treatment of injuries and was later released.

The driver of the Kia, Jozefa Warot, was cited for making an improper left turn, the email said.

Josey has worked for the Clearwater department for nearly three years.

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