Bradford County, FL (July 22, 2026) – On Monday, July 20, two sheriff’s deputies were hurt after a patrol vehicle was struck by a civilian vehicle while heading to an active call on State Road 100 near SE 144th Street. The chain-reaction collision happened as deputies were driving with emergency lights and sirens activated.
According to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, the civilian driver initially pulled onto the right shoulder as the patrol cars approached. After the lead patrol vehicle passed, the civilian vehicle turned into its lane, causing the collision. The first patrol car was then pushed into a second patrol vehicle traveling behind it.
The deputy driving the lead patrol car received a cut to the arm and was being evaluated for additional injuries. The second deputy reported soreness in her left shoulder that may have been related to her seat belt. State Road 100 was temporarily closed after the wreck but reopened within about 30 minutes.
The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. We hope the injured deputies make a smooth and complete recovery.
Why Drivers Should Stay Alert Around Emergency Vehicles
Drivers are generally expected to yield when emergency vehicles approach with activated lights and sirens. A common recommendation is to slow down, pull safely to the right side of the roadway when possible, and remain stopped until the emergency vehicles have completely passed.
Crashes involving emergency vehicles can happen when motorists misjudge the movement of traffic or re-enter the roadway before it is safe. Investigators often review vehicle positions, roadway markings, witness statements, and any available video footage to determine the sequence of events. These findings can help explain how the collision occurred and may also identify ways to reduce the risk of similar crashes in the future.
