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

Grace Fitzpatrick (Pedestrian – Serious Injuries)
DOB: 2/18/2008

Jeffrey Hardman (Driver - Uninjured)
DOB: 5/3/1990
Vehicle: 2014 Nissan Sentra

PINELLAS COUNTY – Deputies assigned to Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a vehicle vs pedestrian crash in Treasure Island involving a juvenile pedestrian. The crash occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Monday, May 24, 2021 near the intersection of Gulf Boulevard and 120^th Avenue.

According to investigators, 31-year-old Jeffrey Hardman was traveling northbound on Gulf Boulevard in the right-hand lane. 13-year-old Grace Fitzpatrick and a friend were on the west side of the road and were attempting to cross. A northbound vehicle stopped in the left-hand lane to allow the girls to cross while Hardman was driving northbound in the right-hand lane.

Deputies say Fitzpatrick and her friend entered the roadway running diagonally from west to east and were not using a designated crosswalk. Fitzpatrick was struck while in the right lane and sustained serious injuries. She was transported to a local hospital where she remains in serious condition while her friend was not injured.

Deputies say Fitzpatrick is visiting from Ohio and the two were headed to a nearby gas station to buy a phone charger.

Investigators say Hardman remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Speed does not appear to be a factor in this case.

The investigation continues.