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Driver arrested for DUI after slamming into a FHP cruiser, injuring a state trooper

Crash occurred on U.S.19
Driver hits Florida Highway Patrol cruiser on US 19
Posted at 2:44 PM, Apr 24, 2022
and last updated 2022-04-25 06:10:24-04

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida Highway Patrol trooper, assigned to the Pinellas Park district, was injured Saturday night after a 47-year-old driver slammed into the trooper's vehicle on U.S. 19.

According to the FHP, Tamico Luwyll Gilbert of Tarpon Springs failed to slow down, stop or change lanes before he crashed his 2021 Toyota Highlander into the FHP cruiser. It happened just before midnight.

The Trooper suffered minor injuries after being thrown to the ground by the impact.

The FHP said the crash occurred as the trooper investigated a traffic crash along U.S. 19, south of Hammock Pine Boulevard. The cruiser was parked on the side of the road with its emergency lights on when Gilbert crashed directly into it, FHP said.

Authorities said Gilbert suffered minor injuries in the crash. After being treated at a local hospital, troopers arrested Gilbert, charging him with Driving While Intoxicated, DUI injury, and DUI property damage.