Bail Set at $10,000 for Central Tampa Drunk Driver Charged in Crash with Deputy's Car

Angel R. Pena, , April 15, had his bail set at $10,000 and was ordered not to drive at a hearing on Monday, April 16, TBO.com reports.

Pena, 42, of 2324 W. Knollwood Pl., was driving his 2001 Ford Excursion under the influence of alcohol at the moment of the crash, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Pena was traveling eastbound on Bearss Avenue in the westbound lanes, just west of the Jimmy B. Keel Library, when he collided nearly head on with a marked HCSO patrol vehicle, according to sheriff's office spokesman Larry McKinnon.

The SUV did not have its headlights on, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputy Juan Lazu, 47, was on routine patrol in a 2011 Crown Victoria traveling westbound on Bearss Avenue and did not see the Ford Excursion approaching until a few seconds before the crash.

“After the impact, the patrol vehicle rotated in a counter clockwise direction coming to rest approximately 45 feet from the area of impact, partially in the median. Deputy Lazu was trapped in the vehicle but was able to call for help on his radio. Additional deputies quickly responded to the scene and were able to pull Deputy Lazu from his vehicle moments before both vehicles exploded and consumed by fire,” McKinnon said in a press release.

Lazu suffered minor injuries from the crash and was transported to Florida Hospital. The deputy, who is assigned to Uniform Patrol District 1, Street Crimes Unit and who has been employed since 2002, was expected to fully recover and return to duty.

McKinnin said that Pena had a very strong odor of alcohol at the time of the crash. Pena was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital, and was arrested Sunday upon release from the hospital.

Pena, who has had prior arrests for DUI, battery and aggravated assault, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence with property damage  and domestic violence. The domestic violence charge generates from an unrelated incident that occurred before the crash, according to TBO.com.

Pena’s bail was set at $5,000 for each charge. Both charges are misdemeanors, TBO.com reports.

Pena was still being held in the Hillsborough County Jail as of Monday afternoon.