The pedestrian was not at a crosswalk and appeared to have been drinking, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff.

PINELLAS COUNTY – A portion of Starkey Road was closed for about 3 1/2 hours Saturday (Aug. 15) night while Pinellas sheriff’s deputies investigated a deputy-involved traffic accident.

Pinellas Deputy Edward Feidt was on duty driving south on Starkey in the median lane in his marked cruiser about 9:15 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 15), sheriff’s investigators said. The pedestrian, 39-year-old Nora J. Reitzel, came out of a driveway at 12650 Starkey Road and was crossing Starkey Road from west to east. Investigators say Feidt took evasive action and hit the brakes to avoid her. The deputy struck the pedestrian with the front passenger side (headlight assembly area) of the cruiser.

Reitzel was transported by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries. She sustained injuries to her pelvis. Feidt was not injured.

Deputies say Reitzel was not crossing at a crosswalk. Deputies say alcohol on the part of the pedestrian appears to be factor in the crash. Feidt, 22, has worked for the sheriff’s office for about a year.

All southbound lanes of Starkey Road just north of 126th Avenue were shut down for approximately 3 1/2 hours while deputies were investigating the crash.

The investigation continues.

For information, go to pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas County Sheriff | Starkey Road | Traffic Accident | Pedestrian Injured | TB Reporter

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