2 Seriously Injured In Crash With Gulfport Police Cruiser

GULFPORT, FL — The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is investigating an accident with serious injuries involving a Gulfport Police officer.

The crash occurred at 11:12 p.m. Monday on 49th Street South at Gulfport Boulevard South in Gulfport.

According to investigators, 28-year-old Gulfport Police Officer Courtney Palazzolo, 28, was driving south on 49th Street South in a marked Dodge Charger. As Palazzolo approached the Gulfport Boulevard South intersection, she had a green light and continued through the intersection.

Investigators say at the same time, 19-year-old Cameron Daynard of St. Petersburg was driving a Cadillac CTS east on Gulfport Boulevard South when he failed to stop for the red light at the 49th Street South intersection.

Palazzolo crashed into the driver's side of the Cadillac. The impact rotated the Cadillac in a counter-clockwise direction, causing it to strike a traffic signal electrical box at the southeast corner of the intersection, damaging the signal light boxes.

Both cars came to rest in the northbound lanes of 49th Street South.

Daynard and his front-seat passenger, Reyna Williams, 19, of St. Petersburg were transported to a the hospital with serious injuries. Williams was not using her seat belt. Daynard's seat belt usage has not been determined. Daynard exhibited signs of impairment.

Palazzolo was transported to the hospital where she was treated and released for minor injuries.