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Odessa, FL (June 21, 2026) – A Pasco County deputy and two motorists avoided serious injuries following a crash during a traffic stop on SR-54 near Ballantrae Blvd in Odessa on Friday night, June 19.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred shortly before 10:30 p.m. while a 30-year-old Pasco County deputy was conducting a routine traffic stop. Authorities said the patrol vehicle was partially parked in the inside lane and grass median with its emergency lights activated.
Investigators reported that an 18-year-old woman driving an Audi A5 had stopped in front of the patrol vehicle while the deputy was outside the vehicles. A Jeep Compass driven by 28-year-old Omar Malave of Lutz then struck the rear of the patrol vehicle.
The impact pushed the patrol car into the median, where it traveled over a speed limit sign and a road work sign before coming to rest. The Jeep also collided with the Audi, forcing it off the roadway and into the median.
Despite the significant damage caused by the crash, the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office stated that the deputy was evaluated by medical personnel and released without reported injuries.
Officials have not released the extent of any injuries sustained by the Jeep driver or the Audi driver. Two vehicles sustained heavy damage, and two roadway signs were destroyed in the collision. Florida Highway Patrol investigators said neither speed nor impairment appears to have been a factor in the crash.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Why Crashes Near Traffic Stops May Be Dangerous?
Traffic stops place law enforcement officers and motorists in proximity to moving traffic, creating potentially hazardous conditions. Even with emergency lights activated, approaching drivers may have limited time to react due to traffic conditions, distractions, or visibility issues.
Investigators reviewing these incidents typically examine vehicle speeds, roadway conditions, driver actions, witness statements, and physical evidence from the crash scene. They also assess whether traffic-control measures and emergency lighting were functioning properly at the time of the collision.
Road safety officials continue to emphasize the importance of move-over laws and attentive driving near emergency vehicles to help protect officers, first responders, and motorists stopped along roadways.
