The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate a crash involving a deputy. The crash occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 2022. The crash occurred at the intersection of US-19 and 70th Avenue N in Pinellas Park.
The crash led to the arrest of Michael Belizario, age 38 of St. Petersburg, on charges of Driving Under the Influence resulting in injury and property damage.
According to arrest documentation, Belizario ran a steady red light at the intersection leading to a collision with an unmarked Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office 2019 Chevy Tahoe with its emergency lights and siren activated. The agency vehicle was operated by Deputy Mitchell who has a green light and right of way at the time of the crash.
Belizario refused breath alcohol testing and reportedly had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath along with poor balance and bloodshot and glassy eyes. It was additionally noted that he had slurred, mumbled and incoherent speech and poor balance.
Belizario consented to a blood draw and results are pending.
Both were treated for minor injuries.