Officials say the deputy couldn't avoid hitting a car that turned left in front of him.
By Times Staff Writer
Published September 18, 2004
TAMPA - A 28-year-old Hillsborough sheriff's deputy was injured when his patrol car collided with a Lincoln Continental investigators say turned in front of him Friday morning.
Deputy Richard Blair, a four-year veteran, was nearing the end of his 12-hour shift and was driving the 2004 Ford Crown Victoria west on Fletcher Avenue near Nebraska Avenue at about 5:45 a.m. Fred L. Moulding, 52, was driving his 1997 Lincoln east on Fletcher and turned left in front of the deputy to head north on Nebraska, according to sheriff's spokesman Lt. Rod Reder. The deputy hit his brakes but collided with the right front of the Lincoln. Blair was taken to University Community Hospital for his injuries, which were not life-threatening, sheriff's officials said. Moulding also complained of minor injuries and was taken to UCH.
Reder said deputies investigating the crash smelled alcohol on Moulding and are investigating whether he was driving under the influence.
