Sheriff's wife injured in car crash

BRANDON, Fla. - According to Hillsborough County deputies, a gang member pulled out of a convenience store parking lot in a hurry, and crashed into Rhonda Gee, wife of Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee.

Around 7:30 am, Raul de Alejandro, 22, was inside a Hess Gas Station at 3353 Lithia Pinecrest Road, trying to buy cigarettes. He had no ID to prove his age, and deputies say he became outraged when the clerk refused to sell to him.

According to deputies, on his way out, De Alejandro threatened to come back and kill the clerk.

Store patrons followed him outside, and the clerk yelled that deputies had been called.  De Alejandro then drove onto Bloomingdale Avenue at Lithia Pinecrest Road and struck a 2012 Dodge driven by Rhonda Gee who was driving through the intersection.

De Alejandro, of Dover, then fled, but broke down on the side of the road.  A passing motorist followed de Alejandro and was able to direct deputies to his location where he was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies say De Alejandro is listed as a certified "Dover Locos" gang member.

De Alejandro and his 16-year-old sister, a passenger in his car, were not injured in the crash.

Rhonda Gee was taken to Tampa General Hospital and is being examined for possible head injuries.

Raul de Alejandro was charged with leaving a crash with injuries, leaving the scene with property damage, aggravated assaulst with a firearm, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and disorderly conduct.