Deputy Injured In St. Pete Crash

Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a deputy involved crash in St. Petersburg.

According to deputies, at approximately 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, the driver of a 2003 Cadillac was traveling eastbound on Gandy Blvd. in the median lane. Deputy Brandon Lundy was also traveling eastbound on Gandy Blvd. directly behind the Cadillac.

As both drivers approached the light at Gandy Blvd. and the off ramp of I-275, the light changed to red and the driver of the Cadillac stopped abruptly. Deputy Lundy was unable to stop and avoid a collision, causing his Chevy Tahoe to hit the rear of the Cadillac.

The driver of the Cadillac, identified as 24-year-old Yorgo Papagiani, was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Deputy Lundy was also transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Throughout the investigation, Papagiani showed signs of impairment and refused to submit to a blood test while at the hospital.

Upon his release from the hospital, Papagiani was arrested and charged with Felony DUI, Felony Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, Possession of Marijuana and Refusal to Submit to Blood Test.

Papagiani was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

The investigation continues.