Deputy injured in rear-end crash

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that occurred this morning at 8:48 AM on SR-16 at Four Mile Road in St Augustine and sent a St Johns County deputy to Flagler Hospital with serious injuries.

Agricultural Deputy George Letts, who is 53-years-old and lives in St Augustine, was traveling eastbound on SR-16 this morning. He was operating his department issued 2006 Ford F250 pickup truck, when he stopped for a red traffic signal at Four Mile Road.

A second driver, 65-year-old Bruce A Maguire of St Augustine, was following behind Letts in the inside traffic lane. Maguire was unable to stop his 2013 Ford F150 pickup truck in time to avoid a collision with the deputy’s vehicle, according to the FHP investigation.

Letts was stabilized by St Johns County emergency medical personnel and transported to Flagler Hospital for treatment. He was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and alcohol was not a factor, troopers said. He sustained about $1500 in damages to the department vehicle. No update on his condition at this time.

Maguire’s vehicle sustained about $6,000 in damages; however, he was reported to be uninjured and released at the scene. Maguire was also wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash and alcohol was not a factor. Maguire was cited for following too closely.