Trooper Injured In DUI Crash

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A 41-year-old Jupiter woman faces multiple charges after Florida Highway Patrol troopers say she hit one of their own in an alcohol-related crash Sunday evening in the Orient Park area.

According to the patrol, Trooper Jessica Manganaro, 28, was driving a marked 2014 Dodge Charger west on State Road 574, east of Carroway Street, around 8:24 p.m. April 2. Manganaro, a highway patrol report said, had her lights activated and was in the middle of performing a U-turn to double back to assist another trooper.

At that time, Susan E. Ross was reportedly driving behind Manganaro. When the trooper slowed to complete her U-turn, Ross did not, the report said. Ross’ Mustang slammed into the back of the Charger.

Manganaro suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Ross was later charged with DUI involving an injury, DUI with property damage and driving with an open container. Ross, the agency noted, would not provide a breath sample.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol