19-040 Major Accident Investigation Team Investigates Deputy Involved Crash In Pinellas Park
M.A.I.T. Crash Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)
Deputy E. Gibson (Driver – Injured)
Age: 51
Hire Date: 3/20/1995
Vehicle: 2015 marked PCSO Chevrolet Tahoe
Lori M. Zimmerman (Driver – Injured)
DOB: 07/08/1983
Vehicle: 2015 Honda Pilot
Citation: Failure to Yield – Approaching/Entering an Intersection
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a deputy involved crash that occurred in Pinellas Park.
When:
The crash occurred at about 8:33 a.m. on March 13, 2019.
Where:
The crash occurred at the intersection of 49th Street North and 62nd Avenue North in Pinellas Park.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a deputy involved crash that occurred in Pinellas Park.
Investigators report, Deputy Gibson was on-duty and traveling northbound on 49th Street North, approaching the intersection at 62nd Avenue, in his fully marked PCSO Chevrolet Tahoe.
According to investigators, 35-year-old Lori Zimmerman was driving her 2015 Honda Pilot southbound on 49th Street North. Zimmerman was in the left turn lane, in preparation to turn east onto 62nd Avenue North.
As Deputy Gibson entered the intersection at 49th Street and 62nd Avenue, Zimmerman failed to see his vehicle and proceeded to make an eastbound turn into the path of Deputy Gibson. Deputy Gibson’s vehicle struck Zimmerman’s vehicle on the front corner of the passenger side, and her vehicle overturned onto the driver’s side in the intersection.
Witnesses state Zimmerman had a flashing yellow arrow when she turned left in front of Deputy Gibson, who had a solid green light.
Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Deputy Gibson to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Zimmerman was also transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Neither speed nor impairment appear to be factors in the crash.
Zimmerman was issued a citation for Failure to Yield – Approaching/Entering an Intersection.
The investigation continues.
