Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)

Rufus Brown Jr. (Driver – Arrested)
DOB: 02/20/2000
Address: 4150 11^th Avenue South, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2017 Infiniti Q60S
Charges: Fleeing and Eluding, Driving Under the Influence (Serious Bodily Injury), two counts Driving Under the Influence Involving Property Damage, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury, two counts Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, Driving While Driver’s License Suspended/Revoked, and Violation of Probation (Felon/Delinquent in Possession of Firearm/Ammo)

Jeremiah Brown (Passenger – Life-Threatening Injuries) 
DOB: 05/23/2004
Vehicle: 2017 Infiniti Q60S

PINELLAS COUNTY – On Thursday, October 24, 2024, deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to the area of 58^th Avenue North and 28^th Street North in Unincorporated St. Petersburg to investigate a serious injury crash. 

According to investigators, at approximately 2:06 a.m., deputies observed a 2017 Infiniti Q60S traveling recklessly and at a high rate of speed on 33^rd Street North. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, however the vehicle fled eastbound on 58^th Avenue North. Deputies did not pursue the vehicle. Investigators say as the vehicle crossed the intersection of 58^th Avenue North and 28^th Street North, it lost control and struck two unoccupied parked vehicles. The driver, later identified as 24-year-old Rufus Brown Jr., fled on foot. He was located a short time later by deputies and a K-9. While clearing the vehicle, deputies located 20-year-old Jeremiah Brown still in the passenger seat.  

Jeremiah was transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Rufus was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Speed and impairment were factors in the crash.

Rufus was arrested and charged with Fleeing and Eluding, Driving Under the Influence (Serious Bodily Injury), two counts Driving Under the Influence Involving Property Damage, Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury, two counts Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage, Resisting an Officer Without Violence, Driving While Driver’s License Suspended/Revoked, and Violation of Probation (Felon/Delinquent in Possession of Firearm/Ammo). He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation continues.