Subject arrested after fleeing from a multiple fatality crash on US-19 at Tampa Road

Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) continue to investigate a fatal crash on US-19 just south of Tampa Road.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020.

According to FHP, a 2013 Buick Lacrosse was traveling southbound in the center lane of US-19 approaching the intersection of Tampa Road. One witness stated the vehicle was traveling at a very high rate of speed.

A second vehicle, a 2010 Nissan Versa, was traveling northbound on US-19 and stopped in the left turn lane at the intersection of Tampa Road. As the traffic signal cycled to green, the Versa completed a u-turn so as to travel southbound on US-19. The Buick Lacrosse proceeded through the intersection under a red traffic signal and collided with the rear of the Versa.

The 65 year-old driver of the Versa, from Clearwater, Bruce Johnson along with his 18 year-old passenger, Glenworth Johnson were fully ejected from the vehicle. A second passenger, 49 year-old Lisa Johnson was partially ejected from the Nissan. All three occupants of the Nissan suffered fatal injuries at the scene of the crash.

Both the driver and passenger of the Buick fled the scene on foot traveling southbound on US-19. Troopers describe both subjects only as white males.

Deputies from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office searched for the subjects for many hours utilizing K-9 officers along with air support.

According to the preliminary report from FHP, seatbelts were not worn by the three deceased victims of this crash, however, one witness that assisted at the scene stated that he was trying to cut off the seatbelt from the woman still in the vehicle.

The roadway reopened about 7 a.m. Sunday morning.

The morning following the crash, troopers made contact with the owner of the vehicle, 22 year-old Tanner Hackman of 1579 Linwood Driver in Clearwater. According to an arrest affidavit, Hackman was unable to remember where his vehicle was or how he got home. Video footage was obtained of Hackman driving the 2013 Buick Lacrosse at approximately 11:30 p.m., about 8 minutes prior to the crash. He was leaving the Bare Assets adult establishment approximately 8 miles north of the crash location. Troopers also located video showing Hackman and his passenger running on foot behind a local business after the crash.

On February 21, 2020, FHP Troopers arrested Tanner Hackman age 22 of Clearwater. Troopers say he was the driver who fled the scene. Hackman was arrested at his home located in the 1500 block of Linwood Drive. He is charged with three counts of Vehicular Homicide and three counts of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving a Death.

Hackman was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the FHP by calling 813-558-1800 or Crime Stoppers of Pinellas at 800-873-TIPS.

The victims’ family has released the following statement

On behalf of the Johnson, Enlow and Sweet families, we are overwhelmed with sadness by the tragic loss of our family, Lisa, Bruce, and Glen Johnson.  Our grief is compounded by the fact that the person who is responsible for this reckless act, showed no compassion for a mother, father and their son.  We want to thank the strangers who showed empathy to our family on the scene while our loved ones took their last breaths.  While the Johnson’s led a simple life, they were rich with the love they had for each other, and were inseparable.

In order for our family to begin the healing process, we need closure.  We pray for answers regarding this senseless hit and run.  Fleeing the scene shows no compassion or respect for human life.  The only comfort we have is knowing that they left this earth together as a family, albeit leaving behind two daughters, a young grandson and many supportive family members. We wish to again express our thanks to everyone who has prayed and supported us during this difficult time.

There will be a celebration of their lives on Thursday, February 27 at 11 am.  This will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., St. Petersburg, FL 33708.