Off-duty Hillsborough Deputy Flees From Two Pinellas Crashes
39 year-old, off-duty, Hillsborough County Deputy James Paes of Lithia, Florida, was traveling at a high rate of speed . He was headed southbound on 131st Street North approaching 102nd Avenue North in his own 2017 Nissan Titan at about 9 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2017.
According the the Florida Highway Patrol, Paes was fleeing from a previous crash investigated by the Largo Police Department.
He failed to maintain control of his Titan as he overtook a 1998 Dodge Durango. The Durango was being driven by 27 year-old John Dietrich of Seminole. The left front of the Titan collided with the left rear of the Durango.
Following this collision, the Titan continued southbound briefly and collided with the rear of a 2007 Chevy Silverado which departed the roadway, entered the west shoulder, and overturned. The Silvarado was operated by 40 year-old Jonathan Specht of St. Petersburg, Florida.
The Titan traveled to the east shoulder and collided with a fence located at 10206 130th Way North and owned by James Boeggeman.
Following this collision, Paes fled the scene on foot and was soon detained by members of the Largo Police Department.
Paes was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg for minor injuries. He was arrested upon his release by members of the FHP for careless driving and leaving the scene of a crash with serious injuries and property damage.
He was delivered to the Pinellas County Jail by FHP Troopers and booked by both by Largo Police for the initial crash, as well as by FHP the second crash investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Additional FHP charges of driving under the influence are considered pending at this time.
According to FHP, neither Dietrich nor his 34 year-old and 10 year-old passengers were injured in the crash.
Specht suffered serious injuries and was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Paes was suspended without pay pending termination. He was hired by the agency in June of 2004.