19-109 M.A.I T. Investigates Serious Two Vehicle Crash In Treasure Island
M.A.I.T. Crash Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)
Jacob Allyn Turner (Driver- Injured/Arrested)
DOB: 03/26/1998
Address: 6358 3rd Avenue South, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2003 Ford Explorer
Charges: One count of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and one count of Battery on a Emergency Medical Care Provider
Laura Varonich (Driver – Injured)
DOB: 12/01/1959
Address: St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2000 Volvo V70
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a serious two vehicle crash in Treasure Island.
When:
The crash occurred at about 6:22 p.m. on July 14, 2019.
Where:
The crash occurred on Treasure Island Causeway just east of Paradise Boulevard in Treasure Island.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a serious two vehicle crash in Treasure Island.
According to investigators, 21-year-old Jacob Turner was driving his 2003 Ford Explorer westbound on Treasure Island Causeway, when he lost control of the Ford and began to slide sideways. Turner’s Ford crossed over the center median and traveled into the eastbound lanes of Treasure Island Causeway.
At the same time, 59-year-old Laura Varonich was driving a 2000 Volvo V70 eastbound on the Treasure Island Causeway, when Turner’s Ford drove into the path of Varonich’s Volvo. The two vehicles made impact in the eastbound lanes of Treasure Island Causeway, just east of Paradise Boulevard.
Paramedics responded to the scene and transported both Turner and Varonich to a local hospital for serious non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies say Turner showed signs of impairment. During the course of the DUI investigation at the hospital, Turner became combative and battered a deputy and a nurse while in the emergency room.
Deputies say speed and impairment are both factors in the case.
Turner was charged with one (1) count of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer and one (1) count of Battery on an Emergency Medical Care Provider.
Turner will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail following his release from the hospital.
DUI related charges are pending the results of a blood draw.
The investigation continues.
