Manatee Deputy Run Off Road En Route to Emergency Call

A Manatee County Sheriff's deputy was treated for minor injuries after being cut off and run off into an embankment on U.S. 301 late July 3 while responding to a call.

The deputy was driving southbound, up the U.S. 301 overpass, over 1st Street in Bradenton, while in "emergency mode" at approximately 8:36 p.m. when she quickly approached a car from behind in the same lane, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office reports.

As she moved into the right lane to pass the car, its driver also began moving into the right lane, causing the deputy to lose control of the cruiser. It is unclear if the vehicles collided, according to a sheriff's office report, however, the deputy's cruiser continued over the shoulder and down the south side embankment, until coming to complete rest at the bottom of the hill.

The car that cut off the deputy continued southbound on U.S. 301. It was not located, according to the sheriff's office.

The deputy was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and her cruiser was towed back to the sheriff's fleet, the sheriff's office reports.