Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.)

Sergeant Glenn Ward (Uninjured)
Age: 53
Hire Date: 09/11/1989
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Fusion

Robert J Arsenault (Injured pedestrian)
DOB: 04/28/1991
Address: Transient

Christopher Akins (Uninjured pedestrian)
DOB: 06/26/1984
Address: Transient

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) are investigating a deputy-involved vehicle vs. pedestrian crash. The pedestrian sustained non-life threatening injuries.

When:
The crash occurred at about 3:33 p.m. on Friday, July 7, 2017.

Where:
The crash occurred in front of the Pinellas County Courthouse 14250 49^th Street, Clearwater.

Why/How:
According to investigators, Sergeant Glenn Ward had completed his work day and was attempting to exit the parking lot of the Pinellas County Courthouse located at 14250 49^th Street, Clearwater. Sergeant Ward was behind another vehicle who stopped initially at the stop sign. Pedestrians were on the sidewalk area in front of the courthouse, although displayed no apparent intention to cross in front of the vehicles entering and exiting the courthouse. The vehicle in front of Sergeant Ward proceeded out onto 49^th Street southbound. Sergeant Ward who driving his unmarked department Ford Fusion vehicle also proceeded to exit the courthouse after stopping at the stop sign and attempted to proceed southbound onto 49^th Street.

Investigators say pedestrians, 26-year-old Robert J Arsenault and 33- year-old Christopher Akins emerged suddenly in front Sergeant Ward’s unmarked department Ford Fusion vehicle. Sergeant Ward who was traveling at a slow speed was unable to take evasive action and struck Arsenault and narrowly avoided Akins who pushed off Sergeant Ward’s vehicle.

Arsenault received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to Northside Hospital with a fracture to his lower left leg.

Akins and Sergeant Ward were not injured as a result of the crash.

Deputies say impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash.

The investigation continues.