Clearwater man faces DUI charges for deputy-involved crash

ST. PETERSBURG — A Clearwater man faces charges of driving under the influence in connection with a March crash that involved a Pinellas deputy.

Bryan Edward Fondrick, 42, was arrested Saturday morning on charges of DUI and possession of a controlled substance.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Fondrick was under the influence of prescription drugs on March 17 when he hit a prisoner transport van driven by Deputy Gary Breest.

Breest had been stopped at a red light at 54th Avenue N and 49th Street in St. Petersburg when Fondrick struck him.

Fondrick had two non-prescribed oxycodone tablets in his vehicle, officials said. Jail records show he was released on a surety bond Saturday evening.