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

Shawn Brown (Motor Scooter Operator)
DOB: 07/19/1973
Address: 3025 Bonaventure Circle #204, Palm Harbor
Vehicle:  2003 Honda Motor Scooter

Shawn Barnett (Motor Scooter Operator)
DOB: 07/12/1980
Address: 2034 Maureen Drive, Holiday
Vehicle: 2014 ASPT Motor Scooter

Deputy Charles Berger
Age: 25
Hire Date: 08/04/2014
Vehicle: 2010 Crown Victoria

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a motor scooter vs.motor scooter crash. Investigators say one motor scooter operator panicked after seeing a cruiser operating in emergency mode, causing him to crash into a second motor scooter.

When:
The crash occurred at about 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2015.

Where:
The crash occurred on Alternate 19 near San Jose Drive in Dunedin.

Why/How:
According to investigators Deputy Charles Berger was traveling north on Alternate 19 near San Jose Drive. The deputy was traveling in emergency mode in the center lane to pass vehicles while responding to a BOLO (be on the look out) for an impaired driver.

Deputies say 42-year-old Shawn Brown and 35-year-old Shawn Barnett were operating their motor scooters in a staggered formation southbound on Alternate 19. Investigators say when Brown saw the cruiser approaching in emergency mode, he panicked, swerved right and struck Barnett's motor scooter.

Brown was thrown off his motor scooter. He was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Barnett was not injured.

Deputies say a curve in the road where the crash occurred may have influenced the crash, causing Brown to believe the deputy's vehicle was coming onto his lane.

The cruiser was not struck.

Deputies say neither alcohol nor speed appear to be factors in the crash.

The investigation continues.