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Pinellas deputy, two others injured in Madeira Beach crash

 
Published June 4, 2014

MADEIRA BEACH — A three-vehicle collision Tuesday left three people injured, including a Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy.

The crash occurred about 2:13 p.m. at Gulf Boulevard and 135th Avenue.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, a 2013 Toyota Rav 4 was originally stopped on 135th Avenue, preparing to turn north on Gulf Boulevard.

When the Toyota made its move, it collided with the front of a marked Pinellas County southbound sheriff's cruiser driven by Dep. Alida Perez.

The impact pushed Perez's cruiser into a 2010 Jeep Cherokee, which had been traveling alongside Perez in the median lane of Gulf Boulevard.

Donald Funk, 58, was driving the Toyota. Both Funk and his passenger, Linda Funk, 67, were taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening.

Perez, who was on duty at the time of the crash, was treated for minor injuries.

The Cherokee's driver, Jack Buns, 65, was not injured.

Authorities say that neither alcohol or drugs appear to be factors in the crash. An investigation is ongoing.