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

Michael Brown (Driver – Injured)
DOB: 09/20/1996
Address: 2073 Montclair Road, Clearwater
Vehicle: 2016 Yamaha motorcycle
Charges: Criminal charges pending.

Douglas Deserre (Driver – Uninjured)
DOB: 01/27/1957
Address: 2545 NE Coachman Road, Clearwater
Vehicle: 2004 Subaru Outback

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a crash after a man fled from a deputy on a motorcycle and later crashed into another vehicle.

When:
The crash occurred at about 3:47 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2018.

Where:
The crash occurred in the eastbound lane of State Road 590, just west of the McMullen Booth Road intersection in Clearwater.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a crash after a man fled from a deputy on a motorcycle and later crashed into another vehicle.

According to investigators, 21-year-old Michael Brown was driving his 2016 Yamaha motorcycle at a high rate of speed northbound on U.S. Highway 19 North, near Drew Street in Clearwater. A deputy observed Brown speeding and driving recklessly as he weaved in and out of traffic.

The deputy followed Brown as he made an eastbound turn onto State Road 590. The deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens in an attempt to stop Brown. Investigators say Brown fled from the deputy at a high rate of speed and continued eastbound on State Road 590.

The deputy did not pursue Brown and lost sight of the motorcycle.

Investigators say Brown continued eastbound on State Road 590 at a high rate of speed passing several vehicles on the roadway. As Brown approached McMullen Booth Road, 60-year-old Douglas Deserre who driving his 2004 Subaru Outback, pulled out of a shopping center on the south side of State Road 590.

Deserre was making a turn onto State Road 590 when he saw Brown traveling toward him at a high rate of speed. Deserre stopped his vehicle in the roadway and tried backing up to avoid a collision; however, Brown lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into the driver side of Deserre’s Subaru.

Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Brown to St. Joseph’s Hospital for non-life threatening injuries. Deserre was not injured.

Investigators say Brown’s speed was a contributing factor in the crash. Impairment does not appear to be a factor.

Criminal charges are pending for Brown.

The investigation continues.