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Sheriff: Suspected drunk driver crashes into, injures St. Lucie County deputy

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A suspected drunk driver crashed head-on into a St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office deputy Tuesday morning, according to Sheriff Ken Mascara.

The collision happened on Sunrise Boulevard near Ponce de Leon Prada in Fort Pierce around 5 a.m. as the deputy patrolled an area known to be prone to flooding.

The deputy was operating a high water Humvee at the time, the sheriff's office said.

"The vehicle driver was drunk and admitted to drinking all night and smoking weed all night," Sheriff Mascara said. He added that the driver also had a suspended license.

The deputy was hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries, the sheriff said. He's expected to be released sometime Tuesday. The driver also received non life-threatening injuries.

“With Hurricane Dorian stalled throughout the night, the winds and rain we expected throughout the night have been delayed and we will most likely see them impact us today.

“I repeat my plea to all residents to stay at home and off the roads until Dorian has completely passed our area. It is just too risky and too dangerous to be out and about," Sheriff Mascara said in a statement.

This is a developing story and will be updated.