Hillsborough Sheriff’s Wife Involved in Tampa Car Accident

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s wife, Ms. Rhonda Gee, was involved in a car accident caused by Mr. Raul De Alejandro who rammed his car into hers, sending her to the hospital at 7:30 a.m. Thursday morning.

The 22-year-old, Mr. Raul De Alejandro, hit Ms. Gee near the area where Bloomingdale Avenue intersects with Lithia-Pinecrest Road. He had previously had an argument with a gas station clerk because the clerk would not sell him a pack of cigarettes, as he was able to show photo identification. Heated, Mr. De Alejandro, threatened the cashier’s life and walked back to the car, as if to obtain a gun.

The cashier started to yell loudly, causing De Alejandro to get into the car and quickly drive away. He then ran a red light which resulted in a collision with Rhonda Gee’s car. De Alejandro did not stop driving and attempted to speed away though his car broke down a short distance later. De Alejandro tried to get away on foot but was quickly caught and arrested by deputies.

At the scene of the crash, Sheriff David Gee arrived along with paramedics who took the victim to the Tampa General Hospital. Mrs. Gee was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident; and she did not appear badly injured. Even so, she was taken to Tampa General as a precaution.

Sheriff Gee accompanied his wife to the hospital in the ambulance where they remained for a day. She is expected to make a full recovery.

This crash was a painful reminder of a previous dangerous car crash for the Gee family. Weston Gee, their son, was involved in a serious car accident as a teenager, in which he was transported to the hospital in a helicopter. Weston is now well and healthy and serves as a Highway Patrol trooper in Florida.

De Alejandro remains in custody. His charges include: (1)leaving the scene of a crash with injury, (2)aggravated assault with a firearm, (3)disorderly conduct, as well as (4)contributing to the delinquency of a minor.