Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team

Deputy Rick Serra Jr. (Driver - Injured)
Age: 52
Date of Hire: 11/01/1993
Vehicle: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

Jeronimo Panzo Herrera (Driver – Uninjured)
DOB: 04/23/87
Address: 530 Fairwood Avenue, Apt. 368, Clearwater
Vehicle: 2006 Ford F-150
Citations and Charge: Careless Driving and No Valid Driver’s License

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a two vehicle crash in Clearwater.

When:
The crash occurred at approximately 8:55 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30, 2018.

Where:
The crash occurred on McMullen Booth Road at Martin Luther King Street in Clearwater.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T) are investigating a two vehicle crash on McMullen Booth Road at Martin Luther King Street in Clearwater.

On May 30, 2018 at approximately 8:55 p.m., Deputy Serra was on-duty and traveling southbound on McMullen Booth Road in a fully marked 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Investigators say, 31-year-old Jeronimo Herrera was also traveling southbound on McMullen Booth Road, directly behind Deputy Serra. 

According to investigators, Deputy Serra observed a disabled vehicle stopped in the roadway of McMullen Booth Road, at Martin Luther King Street, with its emergency flashers activated. Deputy Serra turned on his emergency lights and slowed to a stop, in an attempt cross traffic and assist the disabled vehicle.

Herrera failed to stop and struck Deputy Serra’s rear bumper.

Deputy Serra was transported to a local hospital by another deputy with minor injuries.

Herrera refused medical treatment on scene.

Herrera was cited for Careless Driving and was arrested and cited for No Valid Driver’s License.

Investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors in the crash.

Herrera was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

The investigation continues.

Booking photo of Herrera