21-057 Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Investigates Fatal Hit and Run in St. Pete Beach

***UPDATE – Deputies are Seeking the Public’s Assistance in Locating Hit-and-Run Suspect*** Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Investigates Fatal Hit and Run in St. Pete Beach

Update as of 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 19, 2021

PINELLAS COUNTY - Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are requesting the public’s assistance in locating a hit-and-run vehicle. On Thursday, May 13, 2021, five family members were struck in a cross walk in St. Pete Beach; one was killed.

According to investigators, the vehicle may be in Gulfport or St. Petersburg and may have front end damage. The vehicle is a newer model red Nissan Juke with alloy rims.

Anyone with information regarding the driver or the whereabouts of the vehicle are asked to call Corporal Dobson at (727) 580-4505 or by email at jdobsonjr@pcsonet.com

To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

***END OF UPDATE***

Original news release:

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

Hiep Huynh (Pedestrian Victim – Deceased)
DOB: 8/20/1950

Thuong Phan (Pedestrian Victim – Injured)
DOB: 07/22/1943

Hai Pho (Pedestrian Victim – Injured)
DOB: 10/20/1944

Anh Martin (Pedestrian Victim – Injured)
DOB: 11/08/1969

Tuy Vinh Huynh (Pedestrian Victim – Injured)
DOB: 07/16/1953

PINELLAS COUNTY – On Thursday, May 13, 2021, Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) investigated a fatal hit-and-run in the 4700 block of Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach. Five pedestrians were struck by a vehicle and one person has died as a result.

According to investigators, at approximately 8:45 p.m., 70-year-old Hiep Huynh and four other family members were crossing Gulf Boulevard in the crosswalk. They were on the east side of the road and began walking to the west side when a red Nissan Juke exited the public beach parking lot and turned northbound on Gulf Boulevard. The vehicle struck all five pedestrians and fled the scene continuing northbound.

Deputies say Huynh sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. 77-year-old Thuong Phan and 76-year-old Hai Pho were transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Two other pedestrians, 51-year-old Anh Martin and 67-year-old Tuy Vinh Huynh, sustained minor injuries and were treated on scene.

The suspect-vehicle is described as a newer model red Nissan Juke with alloy rims. Anyone with information on the vehicle is asked to contact Corporal Jon Dobson at (727) 580-4505 or by email at jdobsonjr@pcsonet.com.