Tampa man faces DUI charge after collision with Pinellas sheriff's deputy

OLDSMAR — Authorities have arrested a man they say crashed into a Pinellas sheriff's cruiser while driving drunk early Saturday.

Jeffrey Vera, 38, of Tampa, collided with sheriff's Deputy Jason Schein's 2007 Chevrolet Impala at about 12:30 a.m. at Forest Lakes Boulevard and Pine Avenue, according to an arrest affidavit.

Schein, 37, suffered minor injuries and was treated at Mease Countryside Hospital.

Authorities said the deputy had just pulled over another motorist in a traffic stop when Vera rear-ended the cruiser. The deputy was standing outside of his car but was struck by a door, breaking his arm.

Vera was driving a 1999 Ford Mustang, and caused about $15,000 worth of damage to both vehicles, the report said. He was not injured.

According to the affidavit, Vera's blood alcohol level was measured at .104 and .106 percent. Florida law presumes a driver to be impaired at .08 percent.

Vera was arrested on charges of driving under the influence, DUI with property damage and DUI with injuries. He was released from the Pinellas County Jail Saturday afternoon.