Pinellas Park Police have arrested 20 year-old Jah-vez Tierre Deon Hillholmes as a result of the crash that occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2019.
Brandon Anthony Niles, age 31 of St. Petersburg, was operating a 2008 Honda motorcycle and traveling westbound in the median lane on Park Blvd, approaching the intersection of 40th St N.
A 2003 Mitsubishi Galant was traveling west on Park Blvd, in the curb lane (exit ramp from southbound US Hwy 19), approaching the intersection of 40th St N.
As the Galant reached the intersection, it attempted to turn left from the curb lane across all lanes of westbound travel into the Applebee’s parking lot (4000 Park Blvd.).
Police say that the Galant violated the right of way of the motorcycle, which resulted in the motorcycle striking the rear bumper of the Galant. Niles was ejected from the motorcycle.
Niles suffered severe lower body trauma resulting in the loss of both legs. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper witnessed the crash and immediately rendered aid to the downed biker while waiting for emergency first responders. A witness stated the trooper immediately applied a tourniquet to help minimize blood loss due to the amputations.
The driver of the Galant, Jah-vez Tierre Deon Hillholmes, fled the scene in the vehicle. He later returned to the scene and provided a full admission to the crash and fleeing the scene.
He was arrested at the scene and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
Video from Scene
Hillholmes has been charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, driving with a suspended/revoked license causing injury and felony violation of probation.
The investigation is ongoing. Impairment is not considered a factor, police say.
A gofundme site has been setup to help Brandon Niles. https://www.gofundme.com/brandon-niles-father-of-2-lost-legs-in-accident