Deputies assigned to the Marine Unit and DUI Unit from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office investigated an overnight boating crash that resulted in the arrest of 38-year-old Paul Rae of Seminole. Rae is currently on federal supervised release status due to his indictment in the January 6, 2021 incident at the US Capitol.
On October 2, 2021 shortly before 10:00 p.m., Fire rescue crews from Seminole Fire Rescue and Pinellas Suncoast Fire and Rescue along with deputies assigned to the Marine Unit responded to a small island in the intracoastal waterway near 794 182nd Avenue East in Redington Shores. Multiple witnesses reported the crash after the vessel was traveling northbound at high speed. The vessel ran aground on the small island and rescue crews located it approximately 75 feet from the water line. Rae and his passenger were transported to a nearby dock and evaluated for injuries. Both were uninjured and showing signs of impairment, according to deputies.
Deputies assigned to the DUI Unit conducted a Boating under the influence investigation and Rae showed several indicators of impairment including bloodshot, watery and dilated eyes. Rae was arrested and taken to the Pinellas County Jail where he was booked on one count of Boating under the Influence. Rae was released from jail on his own recognizance shortly after 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning.
The boat, which remained grounded overnight, will be removed from the island by a tow boat company this morning.
In the Federal criminal complaint, Rae identified himself as a member of the Proud Boys. He reportedly did unlawfully enter or remain in the US Capital as a direct result of others’ destruction of federal property and did corruptly obstruct the official proceedings underway.