Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Patrol Central District
-Marine Unit

David Avery Hughes (Driver-Uninjured)
DOB: 11/25/1994
Address: 1328 Pasadena Ave. S.  Apt. 406, St. Petersburg 33707
Charges/Citations: Texting while driving, careless driving, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage (misdemeanor).

What:
Marine deputies were dispatched to the location where a bronze Jeep Liberty was found underwater with a broken rear window and no occupants inside.

When:
The incident occurred at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 24, 2016.

Where:
The incident occurred at 6810 Gulfport Boulevard South in South Pasadena.

Why/How:
According to deputies, at about 7:00 a.m. marine deputies were dispatched to Marine Max Marina located at 6810 Gulfport Boulevard in reference to a 2003 Jeep Liberty about 8-feet underwater in Boca Ciega Bay.  An oil-like substance on top of the water was observed by deputies where the vehicle was submerged.  Deputies also found skid marks at the edge of the seawall and a broken electronic box.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team entered the water and found no one inside the vehicle.  They discovered the driver’s window and back hatch window were opened.  The vehicle was removed from the water.

Deputies made contact with the owner’s son, 21-year-old David Avery Hughes.  Deputies say Hughes admitted he was texting while driving home at about 4:30 a.m. on Saturday 24, 2016.  Hughes says he realized he missed his turn into his condo complex and instead turned into the marina and crashed into the water.  After the crash, Hughes told deputies he walked home.

Property damage was estimated to be $2,000.

Charges/Citations Hughes was issued include: Texting while driving, careless driving, leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage (misdemeanor).