15-186 M.A.I.T. Investigates Single Vehicle Crash Following Pursuit Of Clearwater Suspect
M.A.I.T. Crash Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)
Clearwater Police Department
Brittney Dinkins (Injured)
DOB: 11/02/1988
Address: 1434 Cleveland Street, Clearwater
Devetrius Jones (Injured)
DOB: 01/19/1993
Address: 1033 19th Avenue South, Apt 3, St. Petersburg
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a single vehicle crash that occurred following a pursuit of a Clearwater Police Department suspect.
When:
The crash occurred at about 6:53 a.m. on August 2, 2015.
Where:
The crash occurred at Eastlake and Keystone Roads in Tarpon Springs.
Why/How:
Patrol deputies received information that a driver was wanted as a suspect in a City of Clearwater shooting being investigated by the Clearwater Police Department. The Sheriff's Office obtained the vehicle description and just before 7:00 a.m. on August 2, 2015, deputies observed the vehicle at East Lake Road and Boot Ranch.
Due to the fact that the suspect was wanted for a violent felony offense; and remaining consistent with Sheriff's Office policy, deputies initiated pursuit of the vehicle.
According to Investigators, the suspect was headed northbound on Eastlake Road at a high rate of speed. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete barrier at Eastlake and Keystone Roads. Deputies say the crash caused the vehicle to catch on fire.
Deputies along with emergency rescue personnel removed the driver, identified as 26-year-old Brittney Dinkins and her passenger, 22-year-old Devetrius Jones from the vehicle.
Dinkins was transported by air to St. Joseph's Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries.
Jones was transported by ambulance to Bayonet Point Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
No citizens were involved or injured in the incident.
The investigation continues.
Any questions regarding the original shooting investigation should be directed to the Clearwater Police Department.
