Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Robbery/Homicide Unit

Treasure Island Police Department

Treasure Island Fire Department

Donnie Brownlow Jr. (Deceased)
DOB: 09/01/1987
Address: 3247 16^th Street North, St. Petersburg

What:
Detectives assigned to the Robbery and Homicide Unit are investigating an in custody death in Treasure Island.

When:
The suspect was pronounced deceased at about 9:40 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2020

Where:
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the Palms of Pasadena Hospital located at 1501 Pasadena Avenue South, South Pasadena.

Why/How:
According to detectives, at about 7:40 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, 2020, Treasure Island Police Department officers responded to 111 104^th Avenue in Treasure Island, for a domestic disturbance.

Treasure Island Police Department officers conducted an investigation into the complaint and arrested 33-year-old Donnie Brownlow Jr. for Domestic Battery, Obstruction, Felony Driving While Licensed Suspended/Revoked, and Violation of Probation.

After officers took Brownlow into custody, he was transported to the Treasure Island Police Department located at 180 108^th Avenue to wait for a jail transport van.

Detectives say while being escorted to the transport van and in handcuffs, Brownlow broke free from the officer, ran toward Boca Ciega Bay and jumped into the water.

Paramedics from the Treasure Island Fire Department pulled Brownlow from the water and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Brownlow was transported to the Palms of Pasadena Hospital where he was pronounced deceased at about 9:40 p.m.

His death does not appear to be suspicious in nature.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.