Who: Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Operations Bureau -Major Accident Investigation Team
Carlos Willis (Uninjured Driver/Arrested) DOB: 10/14/1974 Address: 1019 37th Avenue S. St. Petersburg Vehicle: 2000 Buick Park Avenue Charges: Felony Driving With License Suspended/Revoked, Felony Fleeing and Eluding, Felony Leaving The Scene With Injuries and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana
Jasen Hoebay (Uninjured Driver) DOB: 1/19/1986 Address: 1719 Sand Hollow Lane, Palm Harbor Vehicle: 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Sandra Johnson (Injured Driver) DOB: 7/6/1958 Address: 39248 US 19 N. #359, Tarpon Springs Vehicle: 2004 Toyota Corolla
Deputy J. McKenzie (Uninjured Driver) Vehicle: Marked Chevy Tahoe Hire Date: November 2000
What: Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a three-vehicle crash in unincorporated Clearwater.
When: The crash occurred at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015.
Where: The crash occurred in the area of 49th Street North and Ulmerton Road in unincorporated Clearwater.
Why/How: Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a three-vehicle crash that occurred in unincorporated Clearwater at approximately 4:27 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015.
According to investigators, Deputy McKenzie attempted to stop a 2000 Buick Park Avenue as it was leaving the Pinellas County Jail. Deputy McKenzie had knowledge that the driver of the Buick had a felony suspended license.
Deputy McKenzie activated his lights and siren in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. When the driver of the Buick failed to stop, Deputy McKenzie deactivated his lights and siren.
The driver of the Buick continued to head southbound on 49th Street N. The Buick then crossed over the Northbound lanes of 49th Street North, just south of 140th Avenue and struck the front passenger side bumper of a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Buick continued driving around the Jeep and rolled into a 2004 Toyota Corolla that was stopped in the northbound lanes of 49th Street.
The driver of the Buick, identified as 40-year-old Carlos Willis, then ran from the scene and was apprehended a short time later by Deputies.
The driver of the Toyota was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Jeep and Carlos Willis were not injured in the crash.
Willis was arrested and charged with Felony Driving with License Suspended/Revoked, Felony Fleeing and Eluding, Felony Leaving The Scene With Injuries and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana
Willis was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.
The investigation continues.
A booking photo of Willis will be available once the booking process is complete.
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