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Trooper Says Deputy Caused Crash With Car, Bus

Tribune photo by FRED BELLET

A crash on U.S. 19 near Limit Street sent about 8 people to the hospital.

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By LISA A. DAVIS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

Updated: 05/07/2008 03:35 pm

NEW PORT RICHEY -- Michael Cavoto had just stepped off the county bus when cars started crashing around him Wednesday

He didn't see them coming.

"All I felt was a little bit of a jerk and this car rolled up and hit that pole," Cavoto said, directing his gaze toward a telephone pole behind a bus stop on U.S. 19 near Limit Drive. "And this lady was just sitting there and I ran up to see if the lady was OK."

The woman's body shook as Cavoto tried unsuccessfully to get inside her 2000 Daewoo, but she didn't appear to be seriously injured.

"I was totally dumbfounded at that moment," said Cavoto, 19, of Hudson.

The car's back window was shattered. The left side was smashed against the pole, just a few feet from the bus-stop sign.

The Pasco County Public Transportation bus had damage in the rear and on its left side.

Rescue workers helped Cynthia K. Young from the Daewoo she was driving, and she was treated for minor injuries at Community Hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Meanwhile, the crash investigation had begun.

The conclusion, according to Trooper Larry Coggins: Sheriff's Deputy James Dattoma, 22, caused the 11:40 a.m. wreck that also sent him, six bus passengers and the bus driver to local hospitals.

None of the injuries was serious, officials said.

Young had stopped behind the bus in a southbound lane of U.S. 19 while a passenger was getting off the bus. Dattoma then slammed into the Daewoo, according to Coggins. The cruiser's front passenger side was smashed, deploying the air bag.

"The deputy ran into the back of the Daewoo and pushed it into the bus," said Coggins. "We can't dispute the evidence that was found."

The sheriff's office will review the crash because a deputy was involved. It's not clear when he'll return to work.

"Our main concern at this time is the safety and well-being of the deputy," said agency spokesman Doug Tobin.

Lisa A. Davis can be reached at (727) 815-1083 or ldavis@tampatrib.com.

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