Pinellas Deputy Escapes Serious Injuries After Getting Choked By 18 Year-Old

18 year-old Justin McGirt of Clearwater has been arrested for Attempted Homicide on a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting Arrest with Violence, and Aggravated Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer.  The incident that led to his arrest occurred this morning about 2:13AM at the Leisure World Mobile Home Park at 60th Street North and 137th Terrace North in Clearwater.

According to Pinellas County Sheriff Sgt. Elizabeth Brady, Deputy Jason Fineran was on patrol and observed a male riding a bicycle without lights.  Deputy Fineran exited his patrol vehicle and attempted to make contact with the McGirt regarding the the bicycle violation.

McGirt immediately tried to leave the area and ignored commands to speak with the deputy. In an attempt to keep McGirt from fleeing the area Deputy Fineran grabbed McGirt’s left hand. McGirt immediately struck the deputy with a closed fist causing a laceration above the deputy’s left eye. Deputy Fineran was able to radio for assistance and continued attempts to take McGirt into custody.

Audio From Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Radio Traffic
(gaps removed)

McGirt resisted violently and at one point in the altercation wrapped his inner thighs around the deputy’s neck reducing the deputy’s ability to breath. Upon the arrival of back up deputies it was necessary to deploy an electronic control weapon and use multiple deputies to take Mcgirt into custody.

Deputy Fineran was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

[mappress mapid=”297″]