Girl Struck By Deputy's Cruiser

ROYAL HIGHLANDS - An 11-year-old girl is recovering after being struck by a deputy's cruiser early Friday morning, according to a report from the Hernando County Sheriff's Office.

Mauria D. Stringer was standing in Thrasher Avenue just west of Mount Sparrow Road when she was hit by the westbound patrol car driven by Deputy Julio Tagliani, 30, the report states.

Stringer, who was standing about seven feet from the lime rock road's north shoulder, was thrown onto the hood of the car and then fell to the roadway, according to the report.

Tagliani told investigators he briefly glanced down to log onto his in-car computer. He said he saw the girl when he looked up again, but by then it was too late to avoid hitting her, according to the report.

Evidence at the scene suggests Tagliani hit the brakes about 21 feet before the point of impact, the report states.

"Severe fog" at the time of the accident "greatly reduced visibility," according to the report.

Stringer was treated at the scene for pain in her left leg and then transported to Oak Hill Hospital, where she received further treatment for "multiple contusions" and was released, according to the report.

Investigators hadn't interviewed Stringer by Friday evening.

The sheriff department's accident review board will study the details of the crash and decide whether Tagliani should face disciplinary action, department spokeswoman Donna Black said.

Information about Tagliani's history with the department and his driving record weren't immediately available late Friday.

The address listed as Stringer's residence is at the corner of Thrasher and Mount Sparrow. The phone number is unlisted and no one answered the door Friday afternoon.