Who:
Deputy Wayne Wagner (Driver- Uninjured)
Hire Date: 10/20/14
Vehicle: Unmarked Black 2013 Dodge Charger

Deputy Alexander Ellis (Driver- Uninjured)
Hire Date: 10/20/14
Vehicle: Unmarked Blue 2013 Dodge Charger

Senator Tim Kaine’s motorcade

What:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office deputies were involved in a crash while assisting Senator Tim Kaine’s motorcade in St. Petersburg.

When:
The crash occurred at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016.

Where:
The crash occurred in the area of Interstate 375 from 8th Street North.

Why/How:
According to deputies, on November 5, 2016 at approximately 9:15 p.m., the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office was assisting the United States Secret Service with Senator Tim Kaine’s motorcade. 

Senator Kaine’s motorcade was entering Interstate 375 from 8th Street North, driving in the curb lane, when an unrelated vehicle was stopped in the middle lane by a deputy to allow the motorcade to enter the interstate. 

As the deputy kept the vehicles stopped, another deputy in the median lane stopped next to him, causing Deputy Alexander Ellis to stop. Deputy Wagner, who was traveling in the median lane behind Deputy Ellis, did not see Deputy Ellis’ cruiser stopping and swerved towards the middle lane in an attempt to avoid contact with Deputy Ellis’ cruiser. 

According to deputies, the front driver side bumper of Deputy Wagner’s cruiser made contact with the rear passenger side bumper of Deputy Ellis’ cruiser.  Deputy Wagner’s cruiser then entered the middle lane, and curb lane where it struck a bus transporting members of the press, which was a part of the motorcade. 

The bus continued on with the motorcade after the crash.  

There were no injuries involved with the crash. The bus and Deputy Ellis’ cruiser sustained minor damage.  Deputy Wagner’s cruiser was towed back to the Sheriff’s Office. 

Neither speed nor alcohol/drug impairment appear to be factors in this crash.

The investigation continues.