2 Injured in Deputy-Involved Crash

A motorist and a Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputy were both taken to a local hospital following a Monday morning crash along U.S. 19.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy David Vinson was heading south on U.S. 19, just north of County Road 39, around 7:30 a.m. when the accident occurred. At that time, a BMW driven by Paul Vitale, 58, of Clearwater Beach was heading north on U.S. 19.

Vitale attempted a left-hand turn and drove in front of Vinson’s marked Chevrolet Tahoe, an email from the sheriff’s office to media stated. The Tahoe hit the rear passenger side of the BMW.

Both Vinson and Vitale suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation.

Image via Shutterstock

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