DUI Driver Injures Two Motorcyclists in Pinellas Park
Posted: December 7, 2015
At approximately 6:15 PM on Sunday, December 6, 2015, reports were received of a vehicle crash involving a motorcycle.
The crash occurred in the southbound lanes of Belcher Road at the intersection on 90th Avenue N.
Arriving crews located two seriously injured occupants of the motorcycle which came to rest about 400 feet from the collision site.
According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Troopers, 65 year-old Ronald Mullen of Bay Pines, Florida was traveling in a 1994 Ford F150 northbound on Belcher Road. He was in the left turn lane approaching the intersection of 90th Avenue N. Two occupants on a 2007 Harley Davidson FLSTSI Springer were traveling southbound on Belcher Road in the inside lane.
Mullen attempted to make a left turn entering the intersection and into the path of the motorcycle according to FHP. The driver of the motorcycle has been identified as 51 year-old Kristopher John Jones of St. Petersburg, Florida. The passenger has been identified as 47 year-old Donna Lee Harms also of St. Petersburg.
Neither of the occupants of the motorcycle were wearing a helmet at the time of the crash according to FHP. Both were transported to Bayfront Heath St. Petersburg and as of Monday morning, listed in critical condition.
Ronald Mullen, the driver of the Ford F150 was arrested and charged with 2 counts of DUI with serious bodily injury, possession of marijuana, and violating the right-of-way.
The FHP Trooper investigating the crash indicated that Mullen was unable to recount the events prior to the crash. He was unable to stand and continued to sit on the ground near his vehicle. He did consent to field sobriety exercises where he continued to exhibit signs of impairment. Mullen failed to follow instructions and almost fell over many times according to the Trooper. The Trooper stopped the testing as he felt that Mullen was “in danger of falling.” It also appears that Mullen did consent to a blood draw with results pending.
Although there is no record of any previous DUI charges in Pinellas County, he has been cited previously for careless driving on at least three occasions.
Due to policies enacted by the Pinellas County Sheriff, IONTB was delayed in obtaining an official booking photo of Mr. Mullen. More info on this policy HERE
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