Motorcyclist Collides With Sheriff's Vehicle

A motorcyclist was seriously injured when he crashed into a Pasco County Sheriff's vehicle May 10 on Hudson Avenue, according to authorities.

The motorcycle, driven by Christopher Richards, 49, of New Port Richey, was headed northbound on U.S. 19 in the center lane approaching the intersection on Hudson Avenue, according to a Florida Highway Patrol report.

Around the same time, a patrol SUV K-9 vehicle driven by Deputy John Rux was headed westbound on Hudson Avenue approaching U.S. 19. Rux's vehicle was in emergency mode with lights and sirens activated, the report states.

Once at the intersection, Rux stopped for a red light and then attempted to complete a left turn onto U.S. 19 with his sirens flashing. Richards failed to yield and drove his motorcycle into Rux's path, according to the report. The vehicles collided.

Richards and a passenger Tina Fricke, 43, of Port Richey, were transported to Bayonet Point Hospital with serious injuries. Rux was uninjured.