Collision at IGP and US-1 sends four to hospital

FHP Lieutenant Bill Leeper reported to Historic City News that a two-car collision involving a Sheriff’s SUV occurred late this afternoon at around 4:25 p.m.

St. Johns County Fire Rescue spokesman Jeremy Robshaw told Historic City News tonight, “We transported 4 patients, all by ground, to Shands Hospital Jacksonville. Three of the patients were in stable condition and one was in serious.”

The marked patrol vehicle, a 2007 Ford SUV, was driven by 40 year-old Mark Edward Wilson from St. Augustine; who was off-duty, according to Sheriff’s Office spokesman, Sgt. Chuck Mulligan. Wilson was treated at the scene by rescue personnel sustaining severe injuries; he was stabilized and transported.

Leeper told Historic City News that there were two civilian passengers in the patrol vehicle with the deputy — an 11 year-old boy in the right front and 6 year-old girl in the back seat. The children suffered only minor injuries. Everyone was wearing a seat belt.

Troopers investigating the collision determined that the patrol vehicle was traveling southbound on US-1; in the left lane approaching the intersection at International Golf Parkway.

The second vehicle, a 1999 Chevrolet pick-up truck, driven by 77 year-old Steven Odell Fitzgerald from St. Augustine, was traveling northbound on US-1. He was reportedly attempting to turn left; across the highway, onto International Golf Parkway.

Leeper said that investigators determined that Fitzgerald turned his truck in front of the oncoming patrol car and they collided in the intersection. Fitzgerald is charged with violation of right-of-way; turning left in front of approaching traffic.