COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Bodycam video captures the moment two Florida deputies narrowly avoided serious injury when a suspected drunken driver crashed into a patrol vehicle during a traffic stop.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies were conducting a routine stop on North Collier Boulevard on April 8, at about 11:31 p.m., when another vehicle unexpectedly sped toward the scene and slammed into the rear of one of the patrol cars.
Within seconds, the deputies and the driver of the stopped vehicle were forced to scramble out of the way to avoid being struck.
“Get away! Get away!” A deputy can be heard shouting on the bodycam.
Just before midnight on April 8 at approximately 11:31 p.m., two Collier County Sheriff’s Office deputies narrowly avoided injury when a suspected drunken driver barreled into the rear of a patrol vehicle during a routine traffic stop on North Collier Boulevard, forcing the deputies and the stopped motorist to scramble out of the way as Florida Highway Patrol later arrested the driver on a DUI charge. (Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
No serious injuries were reported, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene and conducted the crash investigation. The driver who struck the patrol vehicle was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, CCSO said.
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The sheriff’s office said the incident underscores the dangers deputies face during routine duties, noting that what begins as a simple traffic stop can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
Officials urged drivers to slow down, remain alert, and comply with Florida’s Move Over law when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along the roadway. Everyone involved in the crash was able to leave the scene safely, authorities said.