Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to R Bar, located at 245 108th Avenue in Treasure Island, to investigate a fatal hit-and-run crash. The crash that killed an 86-year-old pedestrian occurred on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at approximately 8:36 p.m.
According to investigators, 86-year-old Thomas McKeown was struck and dragged by a black pickup truck in the parking lot of 245 108th Avenue. The black pickup truck fled the scene before the deputy’s arrival.
Through various investigative techniques, investigators learned that a 2019 black Dodge Ram backed into a parking space in the parking lot. McKeown walked towards the truck and appeared to fall to the ground in front of the truck. Investigators say the truck then started to move and ran over McKeown, dragging him in the parking lot. The truck reverses and moves forward multiple times, running over him each time before leaving the scene.
Throughout the course of the investigation, investigators learned Thomas McKeown’s son, 61-year-old Mark McKeown of Highland, Michigan, was operating the pickup truck that struck Thomas. Mark was taken into custody and charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death.
Thomas McKeown was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
According to deputies, impairment appears to be a factor in the crash. Additional information from the arrest documentation will be updated when available.
The investigation continues.