Suspected DUI driver injures three after slamming into police cruiser

ST. PETERSBURG - A suspected DUI driver slammed into the back of a police cruiser Monday morning, sending the officer and two others to the hospital.

It happened around 3 a.m. at Gandy Boulevard and I-275 during a traffic stop.

According to police, 44-year-old officer John Martini had pulled over a Chrysler PT Cruiser after it hit a traffic signal control box.

During the stop, 26-year-old Kimberly M. Argue, driving her 2004 silver Toyota Corolla, slammed into the back of the cruiser, police say. Then she drove off, police say.

The accident caused Martini’s vehicle to hit the PT Cruiser. Martini was taken to the hospital and then later released.

However, the driver and passenger of the PT Cruiser were taken to the hospital in serious condition. At last check, the passenger was in critical condition, police said.

Argue was arrested by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper assisting at the traffic stop, and she has been charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident with injuries.