19-269 Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Investigate A Two Vehicle Crash In The City Of Belleair Beach

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team
Support Services Bureau
-Forensic Science Division

Meghan Fowler (Driver-Injured)
DOB: 07/14/1983
Address: 305 Hidden Harbour Drive in Indian Rocks Beach
Vehicle: 2014 Jeep Wrangler

Ruth Sabin (Driver- Injured)
DOB: 07/05/1965
Address: 8742 113 Street North in Seminole
Vehicle: 2006 Ford Escape

What:                                               
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a two vehicle crash in the city of Belleair Beach.

When:
The crash occurred at about 11:33 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

Where:
The crash occurred southbound near the 1800 block of Gulf Boulevard in Belleair Beach.

Why/How:
According to investigators, at approximately 11:33 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16, 2019, 36-year-old Megan Fowler was driving her 2014 Jeep Wrangler southbound on Gulf Boulevard. While driving, Fowler was struck from behind by 54-year-old Ruth Sabin, driving a 2006 Ford Escape.

The collision caused Fowler’s Jeep to overturn onto its passenger side and crash onto a residential fence located at 1720 Gulf Boulevard. After colliding with the Jeep, Sabin’s Ford continued southbound striking two water meters, a water main and a utility pole on the west side of the road before stopping at 1540 Gulf Boulevard.

Fowler was transported to Morton-Plant Hospital as a precaution and Sabin was taken to Bayfront Health Hospital for non-life threating injuries.

Investigators say excessive speed and alcohol were both factors in the crash.

Criminal charges are pending for Sabin.

The investigation continues.