Fleeing subject jumps from Belleair Causeway Bridge following traffic stop
UPDATE: 34 year-old suspect Robert Tebow was located by members of the Violent Crimes Task Force this evening in South Pasadena. He was taken into custody without incident
Charges:
Fleeing and Eluding
Providing a False Name to Law Enforcement
Felony Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR)
A Pinellas County Deputy initiated a traffic stop on the Belleair Causeway Bridge Tuesday evening about 9:30 pm. Upon stopping the vehicle, the driver exited the vehicle and jumped over the bridge railing. Members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Unit, Flight Section, and Marine Unit actively searched for the subject throughout the night. Also assisting in the search was the US Coast Guard, Florida Fish and Wildlife, Clearwater Fire & Rescue and Largo Fire Rescue.
Clearwater Fire Rescue placed a diver in the water to investigate a sonar hit. They later stated that, “Our sonar turned up a hit on something large on the bottom, but it turned out to be a railroad tie.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the traffic stop was initially conducted on the vehicle for Unlawful Speed. The deputy did make initial contact with the white male driver and returned to his patrol car. While the deputy was researching the information, the subject then jumped over the railing. An extensive search was conducted but the suspect remains at large at this time.
Deputies has developed various leads as to the suspect’s location and are actively following up on them at this hour.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 25-35 years old, and was wearing blue jean shorts and a tan shirt. In addition, he possibly has multiple tattoos. He was driving a 2005 Dark Blue Dodge Durango.
If anyone has information as the the suspect’s location, they are asked to call Deputy Jacoby at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office at 727-582-6200. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestopppersofpinellas.org
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