Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
- DUI Unit
- Traffic Enforcement

Diangelo Merritt (Arrested Driver #1)
DOB: 10/29/1985
Address: 3116 17^th Avenue South, St Petersburg
Vehicle: 2006 Ford Fusion
Arrested for DUI and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License

Kenneth Nagle (Driver #2)
DOB: 07/05/1959
Address: 11364 Fairfield Lane, Gulfport MS.
Vehicle: 2001 Chevrolet Blazer

Deputy “Stevie” Thomas (Driver #3)
Age: 49
Hire Date:  7/16/01
Vehicle: 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

What:
Deputies assigned to the DUI and Traffic Enforcement Unit are conducting an investigation into a three-vehicle crash involving a deputy. No serious injuries were reported. The driver at fault was arrested for DUI and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.

When:
Deputies responded to the crash at approximately 1:13 p.m. on Friday, May 5, 2017.

Where:
The crash occurred on 34^th Street and 1^st Avenue North, St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
According to investigators, Corporal “Stevie” Thomas was southbound on 34^th Street North and was the first vehicle stopped at the red traffic light, 1^st Avenue North, St Petersburg.  Stopped behind Deputy Thomas was a 2001 Chevrolet Blazer driven by 57- year old Kenneth Nagle.

Investigators say a 2006 Ford Fusion driven by 31-year old Diangelo Merritt failed to stop at the intersection and crashed into the rear of Nagle’s Ford Fusion, subsequently pushing the Ford Fusion into the back of Corporal Thomas’s cruiser.

Deputy Thomas and Nagle were not injured in the crash.

Merritt initially complained of minor injuries however refused transport to the hospital and medical treatment.

Investigators say Merritt displayed signs of impairment and admitted to having a suspended driver’s license and drinking alcohol.

He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Merritt was arrested for DUI crash involving property damage and Driving on a Suspended Driver’s License.

The investigation continues.