SUV Overturns After Crashing Into Deputy's Vehicle; 2 Injured

PINELLAS PARK, FL -- A Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy and a St. Petersburg woman were hospitalized following a crash in Pinellas Park Wednesday morning.

The crash occurred at 8:33 a.m. on March 13 at the intersection of 49th Street North and 62nd Avenue North in Pinellas Park. Pinellas County Sheriff's Deputy Eric Gibson, 51, was on duty traveling north on 49th Street North, approaching the intersection at 62nd Avenue North, in his marked sheriff's Chevrolet Tahoe.

According to investigators, 35-year-old Lori Zimmerman was driving her 2015 Honda Pilot south on 49th Street North. Zimmerman was in the left turn lane, preparing to turn east onto 62nd Avenue North. As Gibson entered the intersection at 49th Street and 62nd Avenue, Zimmerman turned into the path of the sheriff's vehicle.

Gibson's SUV struck Zimmerman's SUV on the front corner of the passenger side, causing the SUV to overturn onto the driver's side in the intersection.

Witnesses said Zimmerman had a flashing yellow arrow when she turned left in front of Gibson, who had a green light.

Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Gibson and Zimmerman to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Zimmerman was issued a citation for failure to yield when approaching/entering an intersection.

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