20-132 Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) Investigates Crash in Pinellas Park
M.A.I.T. Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau
Akeem Edwards (Suspect Driver – Minor Injuries)
DOB: 3/18/1987
Address: 21227 N. U.S. 19, Apt 128C, Clearwater
Vehicle: 2020 Ford Mustang
Liljana Elmazaj (Driver – Minor Injuries)
DOB: 2/22/1973
Address: 1673 Monterey Drive, Clearwater
Vehicle: 2018 Honda CRV
Andrew Fennell (Driver – Uninjured)
DOB: 10/11/1977
Address: 5535 92nd Place North, Pinellas Park
Vehicle: 2007 Toyota Sequoia
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team investigate a three vehicle crash with injuries in Pinellas Park.
When:
The crash occurred on Monday, September 14, 2020 at about 3:51 a.m.
Where:
The crash occurred on 66th Street North at 72nd Avenue North in Pinellas Park.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team investigate a three vehicle crash with injuries in Pinellas Park.
According to investigators, 33-year-old Akeem Edwards was driving his silver Ford Mustang recklessly in the area of 34th Street North and 54th Avenue North. Deputies attempted to stop Edwards, however, he fled and was not pursued.
Deputies say Edwards continued to drive recklessly Southbound on 66th Street until he reached the intersection near Park Boulevard and 66th Street North. Edwards went through the intersection and struck the rear of a black Honda CRV and a Maroon Toyota Sequoia travelling in the same direction.
Investigators say the Toyota stopped in a parking lot and the Honda lost control, slid across the Southbound lanes and tipped onto the driver’s side. Edwards also lost control, crashed in the Southbound lanes and fled on foot.
Edwards was apprehended a short time later by a K-9.
The driver of the Toyota was uninjured, the driver of the Honda and Edwards were transported to local hospitals for minor injuries.
Edwards remains hospitalized and charges are pending.
Speed does appear to be a factor but impairment does not.
The investigation continues.
