Multiple public safety agencies were dispatched to a vehicle crash involving a FHP trooper at approximately 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Kristen Kay Watts, age 52 of Sarasota, was operating a 2011 BMW 335i northbound on I-275 at a high rate of speed, approaching a road closure in place due to the Armed Forces Skyway 10K Race. She failed to stop or detour onto US-41 as directed; instead the vehicle drove through numerous traffic cones and around other barricades with State Officers present.
The Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle which continued northbound on I-275.
Failing to stop for the State Officers, The BMW encountered two additional FWC Officers assigned to guard the Toll Plaza. Once again, she failed to stop, and continued through the Toll Plaza. She then encountered two FHP Troopers who were responding southbound in the northbound lanes of I-275 from the south rest area to intercept the vehicle and protect the thousands afoot on the Skyway Bridge. As the BMW approached the two Troopers, both stopped in the travel lanes and within moments the BMW collided nearly head-on with one of the Troopers operating a 2019 Chevy Tahoe.
The collision caused serious injuries to both drivers who were transported to an area hospital and closed the northbound lanes of I-275 for several hours. Watts was later arrested by FHP Troopers for DUI Serious Injury.
Watts was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg as a trauma alert. The 47 year-old Trooper, with serious injuries, was transported to a local trauma center.
The Florida Highway Patrol applauds the actions of Trooper Toni Schuck, a 26 year veteran of the Patrol who, as the last line of defense to the Skyway 10K runners, placed herself in harm’s way to protect others.
The FHP acknowledges and expresses their appreciation to the many that have expressed their gratitude for the Trooper’s selfless actions. Those wishing to contact Trooper Schuck, who continues to recover from her injuries with her family at home, may send their thoughts to her attention at Florida Highway Patrol, 11305 North McKinley Drive, Tampa, FL 33612 or via their FLHSMV and FHP social media.
