Deputy and Citizen Hospitalized After Serious Crash

Deputy and Citizen Hospitalized After Serious Crash in Milton

On 1/23/2012 at approximately 9pm, a Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was responding to an emergency call regarding other deputies who were involved in a fight with a man they were trying to take into custody near the Milton Housing Authority. Deputy Patric Gibson (46 years old) was travelling eastbound on Willard Norris Road approaching Pine Blossom Road in his 2006 Crown Victoria. Deputy Gibson was operating under emergency operations with lights and sirens during his response. While approaching the intersection, a 2003 Ford SUV driven by William Burgin (45 years old from Milton) was travelling south on Pine Blossom Road and made a left turn (east) onto Willard Norris Road directly in front of Deputy Gibson. Gibson’s vehicle collided with the rear of Burgin’s vehicle, causing Burgin’s vehicle to exit the roadway and strike a tree on the eastbound shoulder of Willard Norris Road. Gibson’s vehicle exited the roadway and came to rest in a field on the westbound shoulder of Willard Norris Road. Both Gibson and Burgin had to be extricated from their vehicles and were transported by ambulance to Sacred Heart Hospital. Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. Gibson suffered serious injuries to his wrist area and his hip. He was earlier listed in critical condition, but was recently upgraded to good condition. Burgin is currently listed in good condition at Sacred Heart Hospital.