Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) are investigating a traffic crash involving an Indian Shores police officer who drove over a man lying on the beach in Indian Shores. The crash occurred at about 5:53 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2020 south the 193rd Avenue Beach Access.
Investigators say 27-year-old Officer Natasha Hindman was driving a fully marked 2018 Ford Explorer police cruiser. Officer Hindman drove west on the 193rd Avenue beach access and onto the beach in Indian Shores.
According to investigators, Officer Hindman turned southwest and had just started her beach patrol. As Officer Hindman drove along the sand at low speed, the left side tires of her cruiser drove over the hips of 66-year-old William Koziarz of Michigan, who was lying on the sand.
Officer Hindman stopped and immediately rendered aid until paramedics arrived.
Koziarz was transported to the trauma center at Bayfront Health in St. Petersburg with serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
Officer Hindman was not injured in the incident.
Investigators say neither speed nor impairment were factors in the crash.
The investigation continues.