19-270 Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Investigates A Vehicle Crash With A PCSO Crossing Guard
MAIT Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team
Support Services Bureau
-Forensic Science Division
Susan Creamer (Crossing Guard-Injured)
Age: 63
Date of Hire: 09/09/2019
Robert Reese (Driver-Uninjured)
DOB: 01/25/1958
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Fusion
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a crash involving a vehicle versus a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guard.
When:
The crash occurred at about 2:32 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2019.
Where:
The crash occurred on Curlew Road and Countryside Boulevard North in Clearwater.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a crash involving a vehicle versus a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guard.
According to investigators, 61-year-old Robert Reese was driving his 2016 Ford Fusion north on
Countryside Boulevard North approaching Curlew Road. Reese stopped for the red traffic signal and began to turn right onto Curlew Road after observing a break in eastbound Curlew Road traffic.
Meanwhile, 63-year-old Pinellas County School Crossing Guard, Susan Creamer, had entered the crosswalk for Curlew Road from the southeast corner of Curlew Road and Countryside Boulevard North to place traffic cones along the curb in preparation for the dismissal of Curlew Creek Elementary School.
Investigators say as Reese was turning right onto Curlew Road, the passenger side mirror struck Creamer causing her to fall to the ground. Creamer remained alert after the fall but suffered a non-life threatening injury and was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Creamer was admitted and remains hospitalized.
At the time of the crash, Creamer was wearing her PCSO School Crossing Guard uniform, traffic safety vest, and orange uniform hat.
Speed and impairment do not appear to be factors in the crash.
The investigation continues.
