Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded early Thursday morning to a serious injury crash at the intersection of 58th Avenue North and 28th Street North.
The incident occurred around 2:06 a.m. when deputies observed a 2017 Infiniti Q60S driving recklessly and at high speeds on 33rd Street North.
When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled eastbound on 58th Avenue North. According to investigators, the deputies did not pursue the vehicle. As it crossed the intersection, the driver lost control and collided with two unoccupied parked cars.
The driver, identified as 24-year-old Rufus Brown Jr., fled the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly after by deputies and a K-9 unit.
Investigators determined that speed and impairment were significant factors in the crash.
Inside the vehicle, deputies found 20-year-old Jeremiah Brown still in the passenger seat. Jeremiah was rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, while Rufus sustained minor injuries and was also taken to the hospital.
Rufus Brown has since been arrested and faces numerous charges, including Fleeing and Eluding, Driving Under the Influence (Serious Bodily Injury), and Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Serious Bodily Injury, among others. He was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.