21-046 Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Investigates Fatal Crash in Seminole

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)

Adem Kljajic (Driver – Uninjured)
DOB: 12/27/1977
Vehicle: 2019 Chevy Equinox towing a 2005 boat trailer with an 18 foot vessel attached.

Joseph Mazza II (Rider – Injured)
DOB: 10/19/1991
Vehicle: 2021 Red Scooter

Susan Shelton (Driver – Uninjured) 
DOB: 3/31/1957
Vehicle: 2000 Buick Century 

Michelle Lessl (Pedestrian Victim – Deceased) 
DOB: 3/19/1959

PINELLAS COUNTY – On Friday, April 23, 2021, deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the intersection of Park Street and 62nd Avenue North to investigate a fatal crash. 

According to investigators, at approximately 10:05 p.m. a scooter operated by Joseph Mazza II was travelling southbound on Park Street in the right lane. Mazza changed lanes and struck a boat trailer that passed him being towed by Adem Kljajic. The impact caused Mazza to fall from the scooter and land in the left lane. Kljajic and other witnesses stopped their vehicles to assist and occupied the left lane.

Deputies say witness Michelle Lessl entered the roadway to assist with the crash. Witness observed a Buick Century travelling southbound towards the crash scene and they attempted to get the vehicle’s attention. The Buick, driven by Susan Shelton, changes lanes to pass the crash and struck Lessl, who was straddling the left and right lanes. 

Mazza was transported to a local hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries while the driver of the vehicle he struck, Adem Kljajic, was not injured. Susan Shelton, the driver of the Buick, was not injured, and Lessl was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factors in the crash. 

The investigation continues.