17-054 M.A.I.T. Investigates Two Vehicle Crash That Injured Deputy In Clearwater
M.A.I.T. Crash Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)
Deputy Dimetria Spanolios-Braden (Driver- Injured)
Age: 43
Hire Date: 05/01/2000
Vehicle: 2013 Chevrolet Impala
John R. Comerford (Driver-Uninjured)
DOB: 04/06/1963
Address: 2601 Candlewood Place, Decatur
Vehicle: 2017 Ford Expedition
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a deputy involved crash that occurred in unincorporated Clearwater.
When:
The crash occurred at about 6:00 a.m. on March 10, 2017.
Where:
The crash occurred at the intersection of 49th Street North and 140th Avenue North, in unincorporated Clearwater.
Why/How:
According to investigators, Deputy Dimetria Spanolios-Braden was driving her department issued, unmarked 2013 Chevrolet Impala, northbound on 49th Street in the median lane when she entered the intersection of 140th Avenue North, with a green traffic signal.
At about the same time, 53-year-old John R. Comerford, was driving a 2017 Ford Expedition southbound on 49th Street, when he made a left eastbound turn on 140th Avenue North, with a green traffic signal but no green light turn arrow.
Both vehicles entered the intersection simultaneously causing Comerford’s Ford Expedition to crash into the driver’s side front fender of Deputy Spanolios-Braden’s Chevrolet Impala.
Deputy Spanolios-Braden was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Comerford was not injured and refused medical treatment at the scene.
Neither speed nor impairment were factors in the crash.
Investigators issued Comerford a civil non-criminal Uniform Traffic Citation for failure to yield the right of way. The civil traffic infraction carries a $166 dollar fine.
The investigation continues.
