Driver identified in crash with St Johns County patrolcar

The Florida Highway Patrol has updated Historic City News with information concerning the crash yesterday morning that involved an off-duty St Johns County deputy sheriff, reported to be on his way to work, and the driver of a Mazda RX8 — both men were injured and each was transported to an area hospital.

According to the incident report received today, 24-year-old Dylan Gregory Whalen of Orange Park was traveling southbound on SR-13 (San Jose Boulevard) and was occupying the center lane.

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle, driven by 30-year-old Scott Richard Wright of Jacksonville, was traveling northbound on SR-13 (San Jose Boulevard) and was occupying the left turn lane.

Wright began to initiate a left turn; to travel west across the traffic lanes onto Loretto Road. His patrol vehicle was struck by Whalen on the right front side. After the collision, Whalen traveled to the shoulder and struck a traffic signal box, causing the traffic signals at the intersection to shut down.

Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department stabilized the driver of each vehicle and transported Whalen to Baptist South Hospital and Wright to UF Health Jacksonville. The Mazda sustained about $10,000 in damages, while the patrol car sustained about $14,000 in damages. Both drivers were listed in “serious” condition according to the FHP report.

The investigation is continuing and charges are pending the outcome.