FORT MYERS - A vehicle slams into a Lee County deputy's car-- and State Troopers say a drunk driver is to blame.

Fellow deputies say Sgt. Stephen Gehl was on his way to work when a Jeep slammed into the side of his squad car. The crash happened on Daniels Parkway at Gateway Boulevard, just east of the airport, around 4pm Monday afternoon.

Lee Memorial Hospital said Sgt. Gehl was in fair condition on Monday night. A close friend and co-worker says that's especially good news considering how bad the accident looked.

"He's looking good, he's responding to us, he's talking to us," said Lt. J.C. Creghan.

The Florida Highway Patrol says a Jeep was trying to make a left turn onto Gateway Boulevard but didn't see the approaching sheriff's car. The Jeep slammed into the driver's side, sending the squad car into the ditch several yards away. Emergency crews had to cut Sgt Gehl out of the vehicle. He was taken to Lee Memorial Hospital, where he was quickly surrounded by family and fellow officers.

"We worry a lot about each other, especially with the job we do," Lt. Creghan said. "And then when one of ours gets hurt, we respond en masse to our brothers. He's not only one of my brothers, he happens to be a close personal friend of mine."

The highway patrol says the driver of the Jeep, 32-year-old Christopher Arena, had been drinking at the time of the crash. He was taken to jail. Meantime, friends of the injured sergeant say it's one of those accident that can happen to anyone, even someone with a badge.

"The squad car does not protect you," Lt. Creghan said. "It doesn't matter if you're in a cop car or not, accidents and accidents are going to happen no matter what kind of vehicle you drive."

The Highway Patrol says DUI and property damage charges are likely against the driver of the Jeep.

Friends say Sgt. Gehl does not remember anything about the crash itself, but he is otherwise in good spirits.