19-068 Major Accident Investigation Team Investigates A Deputy Involved Crash In Pinellas Park
M.A.I.T. Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
- Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)
Deputy Joshua Short (Driver- Injured)
Age: 29
Date of Hire: 07/07/2014
Vehicle: Fully marked 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe
Ronald Reed Jr. (Driver- Injured)
DOB: 09/20/1988
Address: 2730 22nd Street South, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2004 BMW 645CI
Charge: Felony Driving While License Revoked
Abrielle Smith (Passenger- Injured)
DOB: 06/09/1999
Address: 4827 11th Avenue North, St. Petersburg
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a deputy involved crash in Pinellas Park.
When:
The crash occurred at about 9:49 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2019.
Where:
The crash occurred at 5361 62nd Avenue North in Pinellas Park.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a deputy involved crash in Pinellas Park.
According to investigators, Deputy Joshua Short, who was on-duty and driving his fully marked 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe westbound on 62nd Avenue North, was stopped for traffic just west of 53rd Street North.
Investigators say, 30-year-old Ronald Reed was driving a 2004 BMW 645CI westbound on 62nd Avenue North, when he failed to stop for traffic and struck the passenger side rear bumper of Deputy Short’s agency vehicle at 5361 62nd Avenue North. Reed’s vehicle left the roadway and entered a ditch on the north side of the roadway, crossed over a residential driveway, then struck a second ditch, where the vehicle came to rest.
Reed and his front seat passenger, 19-year-old Abrielle Smith, were both transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Deputy Short was also transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Through the investigation, it was discovered that Reed was driving on a revoked license and once released from the hospital, Reed was arrested for felony Driving While License Revoked and transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.
Speed does appear to be a factor in the crash.
The investigation continues.
Ronald Reed booking photo.
