19-289 Major Accident Investigation Team Investigates Two Vehicle Crash In Gulfport With Serious Injuries Involving A Gulfport Police Officer

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)
Support Services Bureau
-Forensic Science Division

Cameron Daynard (Driver- Injured)
DOB: 02/16/2000
Address: 435 64^th Ave South, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2005 Cadillac CTS

Reyna Williams (Passenger- Injured)
DOB: 10/04/2000
Address: 651 69^th Ave South, St. Petersburg

Gulfport Police Officer Courtney Palazzolo (Injured)
Age: 28
Vehicle: 2018 Dodge Charger (Marked Police Vehicle)

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a two vehicle crash in Gulfport with serious injuries involving a Gulfport Police Officer.

When:            
The crash occurred at about 11:12 p.m. on November 25, 2019.

Where:
The crash occurred on 49^th Street South at Gulfport Boulevard South in Gulfport.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a two vehicle crash in Gulfport with serious injuries involving a Gulfport Police Officer.
According to investigators, 28-year-old Gulfport Police Officer Courtney Palazzolo was driving southbound on 49^th Street South in a fully marked Dodge Charger. As Palazzolo approached the Gulfport Boulevard South intersection, she had a green light and continued southbound through the intersection.

Investigators say at the same time, 19-year-old Cameron Daynard was driving his Cadillac CTS with 19-year-old front seat passenger, Reyna Williams. Daynard was driving eastbound on Gulfport Boulevard South when he failed to stop for the red light at the 49^th Street South intersection.

This resulted in Officer Palazzolo crashing into the driver’s side of the Cadillac. The impact rotated the Cadillac in a counter-clockwise direction, causing it to strike a traffic signal electrical box at the southeast corner of the intersection and causing traffic signal light boxes to snap off the line. Both vehicles came to final rest in the northbound lanes of 49^th Street South.

Investigators spoke with an independent witness who saw Daynard’s Cadillac fail to stop for the red light.

Daynard and Williams were both transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Williams was not using her seatbelt and Daynard’s seatbelt usage has not been determined. Daynard exhibited signs of impairment.

Officer Palazzolo was also transported to a local hospital where she was treated and released with minor injuries.

The investigation continues.