Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to a hit-and-run crash near 3180 Enterprise Road in Safety Harbor. The victim, bicyclist Mindy Miran Yi died from her injuries, and an arrest was made. Timothy Rush, age 86 of Clearwater, was arrested for Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Death.
The incident occurred on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at approximately 9:14 p.m., after deputies found an injured woman lying in the grass.
According to investigators, 36-year-old Mindy Miran Yi, was traveling westbound on Enterprise Road along the fog line when an unknown vehicle traveling westbound struck the rear of Yi’s bike, causing her to be ejected.
Yi was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital with life-threatening injuries. On Friday, March 10, she died from her injuries.
According to investigators, the vehicle of interest had damage to the front passenger side headlight due to the crash. No additional evidence was found at the scene, and there was no footage of the crash captured by local businesses or residences.
On Saturday, March 11, 2023 deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) arrested 86-year-old Timothy Rush and charged him with one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
According to investigators, Case Agent Corporal Laney received a voicemail from Rush on Friday, March 10, 2023 asking Corporal Laney to call him back. After several failed attempts, Corporal Laney was unable to contact Rush.
Throughout the course of the investigation, investigators were unable to make contact with Rush successfully. Still, they learned that he was in Safety Harbor on Thursday, March 9, 2023 and left a Knights of Columbus meeting at approximately 8:45 p.m. that evening.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators were able to take possession of Rush’s Buick Enclave, which sustained damage to the passenger side headlight, shattered windshield at the bottom passenger side, and purple paint transfer on the front passenger bumper, which was consistent with the purple color of Yi’s bicycle.
Rush was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Investigators ask anyone with any information or video footage of the crash or the suspect to contact Corporal Damon Laney at (727) 464-6887.
The investigation continues.