Hillsborough County FHP Patrol Car Crash I-75
St. Petersburg, FL – April 10, 2025 – A 50-year-old St. Petersburg man, Vaughn Charles Donaldson, was arrested early this morning following a crash on Interstate 75 that left a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Corporal injured. The incident occurred at approximately 2:48 AM near Milepost 254, where an active work zone was in place.
According to FHP, Donaldson was driving a Chevy Blazer northbound on I-75 when he entered the clearly marked work zone. The area was equipped with arrow-boards, signage, and orange cones featuring retro-reflective tape. Stationed within the zone was an FHP Corporal in a marked Chevy Tahoe, with emergency lights activated to alert drivers of the ongoing work.
Officials say Donaldson failed to navigate the work zone and collided with the rear of the patrol car, causing significant damage to both vehicles. The impact left the FHP Corporal with non-life-threatening injuries, and they were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Donaldson also sustained minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital, where he was later released into custody.
Following an investigation, FHP Troopers arrested Donaldson, charging him with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), DUI with Property Damage, and DUI with Personal Injury. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading to the crash, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, particularly in active work zones.
The injured FHP Corporal’s condition remains stable, and the investigation is ongoing. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant when approaching work zones on Florida highways.
