Pasco Man’s Vehicle Catches Fire After Fleeing Hit and Run Crash in Tarpon Springs
Kevin Buchanan, age 41 of Port Richey, was arrested by Tarpon Springs Police following a hit and run crash that ultimately led to his vehicle catching fire.
The initial crash occurred at approximately 2:10 p.m. on Friday, September 7, 2018 at 1204 Gulf Road in Tarpon Springs.
Tarpon Springs Police say that Buchanan was involved in the head on crash at this location resulting in damage to another vehicle and other property. Police say that he crossed the double yellow line before striking the other vehicle.
He fled the scene of the crash abruptly and drove east on Gulf Road in his vehicle with sustained heavy front end damage. Due to issues with the vehicle, Buchanan pulled into the Advance Auto Parts location at 718 Tarpon Avenue E. He parked outside the front doors of the location as flames began to engulf the engine compartment.
Units from Tarpon Fire Rescue responded to reports of the vehicle fire approximately 8 minutes after the initial crash.
YouTube video below shared courtesy of Atila Isguzar
http://youtu.be/hNPzUC_Z__o
Buchanan began to run west on Tarpon Avenue and then north on Walton Avenue. He was apprehended by officers from the Tarpon Springs Police at Walton Avenue and Center Street.
The arrest affidavit indicates that Buchanan admitted to being involved in the crash and fled the scene.
Buchanan has an extensive criminal history which included multiple incarcerations in Pasco and Pinellas County and in the State of Florida Department of Corrections. Many of these arrests involved controlled substances, driving with a suspended/revoked license and obstruction in a crime investigation.
He is currently being held in the Pinellas County Jail on charges of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Property Damage on a bond of $1000.