Crime & Safety

Man Jumps From Bridge During Traffic Stop

Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a man who jumped off the Belleair Causeway Bridge Tuesday night.

By Local Editor Cherlene Willis

Pinellas County Sheriff's deputies are looking for a man who jumped from the Belleair Causeway Bridge during a traffic stop Tuesday night.

The driver, who is described as a white man, about 34 years old, stopped his SUV, got out and jumped over the bridge's railing during a traffic stop around 9:30 p.m., according to investigators.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark colored shirt. Officials say the suspect may have a tattoo on the base of his neck.

The driver was first pulled over for speeding. When the dark blue 2005 Dodge Durango came to a stop on the bridge, the deputy made contact with the driver, asking for identification and vehicle information. 

As the deputy researched the information provided in his patrol car, the driver of the SUV exited his vehicle, ran to the railing of the bridge, then jumped over. An extensive search for the suspect was conducted, but the suspect remains at large at this time. 

Deputies have developed various leads to the suspect's where-abouts and are actively following up on them, officials said.

If anyone has information as to the suspect's location, call Deputy Jacoby at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at 727-582-6200 or, remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-8477 or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.


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