Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Bicyclist in Pinellas Park
In the early hours of Saturday, tragedy struck in Pinellas Park as a hit-and-run incident involving a bicyclist claimed the life of 37-year-old William Rothey of St. Petersburg.
Officers from the Pinellas Park Police Department and crews from Pinellas Park Fire Rescue responded to reports of a crash that occurred at approximately 3:04 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023.
The incident occurred in the 11700 block of 66th Street N, where the severely injured male bicyclist was found near a badly damaged bicycle. Immediate medical attention was administered at the scene, and the victim was rushed to Northside Hospital for further treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the bicyclist succumbed to his injuries and tragically passed away at the hospital.
Based on surveillance video and a witness statement, investigators determined Rothey was traveling south on 66th Street, along the paved shoulder and out of the curb lane. A vehicle traveling south on 66th Street left the curb lane and struck William Rothey’s bicycle. After the crash, the suspect fled the scene and failed to stop and render aid. Authorities knew they were looking for a 4-door sedan with a right rear tail light out.
At 3:16 a.m., approximately 12 minutes after the crash, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped the suspect vehicle at Park Boulevard and 84th Lane. The deputy noted the tail light was out and stopped the car for that violation. He later informed investigators that he noticed the windshield was cracked and caved inward, and fresh glass was still on the vehicle’s dashboard.
During the traffic stop, 26-year-old Anaya Millan showed the deputy her driver’s license. Two other female passengers were in the car at the time. Millan reportedly told Deputy Lewis she was involved in a crash “at a club.” One of the vehicle’s occupants later told investigators that she was sleeping in the rear passenger seat and that Millan was the only person driving the car during and after the crash.
According to court documents, the deputy then “released the vehicle,” despite the significant damage to the vehicle
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Junior Lewis resigned while under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, December 14, 2023.
During the internal investigation, it was alleged that Deputy Lewis failed to take any action to investigate an extensively damaged vehicle and its driver, which was displaying obvious signs of impairment, and the vehicle had been involved in a recent crash. It was concluded that Lewis intentionally stopped his body-worn and in-car video cameras from recording his interactions with the occupants. This included Deputy Lewis instructing the driver and front-seat passenger to switch seats before allowing them to leave the scene and drive to a nearby residence. Deputy Lewis failed to check the driver for warrants and verify that the passenger had a Florida driver’s license before letting them drive off.
By failing to take any investigative action during the traffic stop and allowing the driver to leave, Deputy Lewis hindered the driver from being immediately charged with DUI manslaughter, according to a PCSO Inter-Office memorandum.
During a subsequent conversation with his commander, Deputy Lewis provided false and misleading information about his actions and omitted material details about the incident. In addition, while providing sworn testimony to the State Attorney’s Office about the fatal crash, Deputy Lewis failed to provide complete and accurate details about his actions and observations during the traffic stop.
On December 14, 2023, the Administrative Review Board submitted their findings to Sheriff Gualtieri to review the matter to determine whether to substantiate the allegations. Deputy Lewis immediately and abruptly resigned from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on December 14, 2023.
According to the Memorandum, Sheriff Gualtieri would have substantiated the policy violations and immediately terminated Deputy Lewis’ employment with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The matter will be referred to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for its consideration of action against Deputy Lewis’ Florida law enforcement certification.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office located the 2012 Grey Hyundai Sonata SE abandoned in the Publix parking lot at 7333 Park Blvd at approximately 10:15 a.m. Surveillance video showed that the vehicle was dropped off at 3:34 a.m.
Upon vehicle inspection, pieces of the headlight were located at the crash scene. Both hair and droplets of blood were also located within the windshield.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 30, Anaya Millan turned herself into the Pinellas County Jail, where she was booked for Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death. Her bail is set at $150,000. On September 12, 2023, her bond was reduced to $75,000, and she remains in the Pinellas County Jail.
With the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Largo Police Department, investigators have identified and located all parties involved in this incident. The Pinellas Park Police Department reminds anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision to stop, render aid, and notify law enforcement immediately.
On Thursday, August 3, 2023, Millan’s roommate, Nicole Ventura, was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and facing charges of Accessory after the fact and Tampering with physical evidence.
Nicole Ventura was identified as a passenger in the suspect motor vehicle that struck and killed the victim, William Rothey.
During the investigation, it was determined that Ventura failed to call 911 or provide aid at the crash scene and subsequently fled the scene in a motor vehicle along with her co-defendant, Anaya Millan.
Ventura assisted Anaya Millan in disposing of the vehicle used in the hit-and-run incident by dropping it off at a local establishment. Ventura was questioned by investigators and provided a statement before the arrest.
Investigators also determined Ventura used her vehicle to transport Anaya Millan after the incident. Ventura failed to appear despite receiving court information to attend a hearing.
The Pinellas Park Police Department remains committed to ensuring justice for the victim and their family. The investigation is ongoing, and the department will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
On May 28, 2024, the State Attorney’s Office amended the felony charges to include DUI Manslaughter.