Car hits deputy on 54th Ave. in Lealman; driver tries to flee

LEALMAN — Authorities arrested a man they say fled after his vehicle crashed into a sheriff's cruiser Wednesday night.

The accident, reported just after 6 p.m., occurred at 54th Avenue N and 39th Street.

Authorities say Joshua Harris, 32 of St. Petersburg, rolled through a stop sign at 54th Avenue and hit a marked Chevy Impala cruiser driven by Deputy Robert McGuire heading west on 54th during a routine patrol.

Harris ran but was quickly caught, the Sheriff's Office said.

Both men were taken to Bayfront Medical Center with minor injuries. Investigators said alcohol may be a factor in the accident.

Harris was arrested on charges of driving without a valid license and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries. He also had warrants for dealing in stolen property and obstructing justice.