23-030 ***UPDATE- Investigators Arrest Clearwater Man for Leaving The Scene of a Crash Involving Death*** Investigators Seeking the Public’s Assistance in Safety Harbor Hit and Run
MAIT Investigation
***Update as of 2:41 a.m. on March 11, 2023***
Timothy Rush (Suspect- Arrested)
DOB: 12/26/1936
Address: 1655 Lee Road, Clearwater
Vehicle: 2017 Buick Enclave
PINELLAS COUNTY- On Saturday, March 11, 2023 deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) arrested 86-year-old Timothy Rush and charged him with one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
According to investigators, Case Agent Corporal Laney received a voicemail from Rush on Friday, March 10, 2023 asking Corporal Laney to call him back. After several failed attempts Corporal Laney was unable to contact Rush.
Throughout the course of the investigation, investigators were unable to successfully make contact with Rush, but learned that he was in Safety Harbor on the evening of Thursday, March 9, 2023 and left a Knights of Columbus meeting at approximately 8:45 p.m. that evening.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators were able to take possession of Rush’s Buick Enclave which sustained damage to the passenger side headlight, shattered windshield at the bottom passenger side, and purple paint transfer on the front passenger bumper which was consistent with the purple color of Yi’s bicycle.
Rush was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation continues.
A booking photo was not available at the time of this release.
***END OF UPDATE***
***Update as of 4:00 p.m. on March 10, 2023***
PINELLAS COUNTY- On Friday, March 10, 2023, the bicyclist involved in the crash has succumbed to her injuries.
Next of kin has been notified.
Investigators are still asking anyone with any information or video footage of the crash or the suspect to contact Corporal Damon Laney at (727) 464-6887.
***END OF UPDATE***
***Original News Release***
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)
Mindy Miran Yi (Bicyclist- Life-Threatening Injuries)
DOB: 11/09/1986
PINELLAS COUNTY- Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are seeking the public’s assistance in the investigation of a hit and run that occurred in Safety Harbor.
On Thursday, March 9, 2023 at approximately 9:14 p.m., investigators responded to 3180 Enterprise Road in Safety Harbor after reports of an injured person laying in the grass.
According to investigators, 36-year-old Mindy Miran Yi, was traveling westbound on Enterprise Road along the fog line, when an unknown vehicle who was also traveling westbound struck the rear of Yi’s bike causing her to be ejected.
Yi was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and next of kin was notified.
According to investigators, the vehicle of interest has damage to the front passenger side headlight. No additional evidence was found at the scene and there was no footage of the crash that was captured by local businesses or residences.
Investigators are asking anyone with any information or video footage of the crash or the suspect to contact Corporal Damon Laney at (727) 464-6887.
The investigation continues.
