20-173 Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Investigates Deputy Vs Bicycle Crash In Largo
M.A.I.T. Investigation
Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)
Deputy Christopher Lewis (Driver-Uninjured)
Date of Hire: 04/09/2018
Age: 39
Vehicle: 2015 Fully marked Chevrolet Tahoe (Agency Vehicle)
Daniel Jonathan Serrao (Bicyclist- injured)
DOB: 06/18/1991
Vehicle: 26” Ancheer, seven (7) speed, 350 Watt electric mountain bicycle
What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a deputy versus bicycle crash in Largo.
When:
The crash occurred at about 11:22 p.m. on Friday, December 4, 2020.
Where:
The crash occurred at the intersection of westbound Ulmerton Road and southbound Belcher Road in Largo.
Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a deputy versus bicycle crash in Largo.
According to investigators, on Friday, December 4, 2020, at approximately 11:22 p.m., Deputy Lewis was on-duty in his fully marked 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe traveling southbound on Belcher Road. Deputy Lewis was on routine patrol and was not responding to any calls when he stopped at the right curb lane stop bar of Belcher Road for the red traffic signal at Ulmerton Road.
Investigators say westbound Ulmerton Road had the green traffic signal. Deputy Lewis saw no immediate westbound traffic on Ulmerton Road and proceeded to make a right turn to go west on Ulmerton Road from Belcher Road. As Deputy Lewis was making his turn, the driver’s front corner of his Tahoe was struck by 29 year-old Daniel Serrao, who was operating an Ancheer electric mountain bicycle.
Investigators determined that Serrao was riding his electric bicycle in battery mode as he traveled northbound using the Ulmerton Road crosswalk. Investigators say Serrao was crossing Ulmerton Road on a ‘do not walk’ pedestrian signal when he struck the Tahoe driven by Deputy Lewis.
Investigators say Serrao was transported to the hospital for serious, but non-life-threatening injuries to his right leg. Deputy Lewis was not injured.
Impairment does not appear to be a factor.
The investigation continues.
