ENGLEWOOD MAN IN ST. PETE HOSPITAL AFTER WRECK

AN ENGLEWOOD MAN WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A LUNCHTIME ACCIDENT AT A BUSY SOUTH VENICE INTERSECTION ON FRIDAY.  THE FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL SAYS 23 YEAR OLD MATTHEW THOMAS WAS NORTHBOUND ON RIVER ROAD APPROACHING THE DRIVEWAY ACCESS TO MYAKKA VALLEY FALLS AROUND 12:30PM WHEN HE FAILED TO STOP FOR STOPPED TRAFFIC AND RAN INTO A CAR THAT WAS DRIVEN BY 56 YEAR OLD VAN LAUGHLIN OF VENICE.  THOMAS’ FORD FOCUS WAS TOTALED AND HE WAS BAYFLITED TO BAYFRONT MEDICAL CENTER IN ST. PETERSBURG IN SERIOUS CONDITION.  LAUGHLIN WAS NOT INJURED.  TROOPERS SAY BOTH WERE WEARING THEIR SEAT BELTS AND CHARGES MAY BE PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THEIR INVESTIGATION.