Man Intentionally Hits Pinellas Deputy Sparking Chase
A man was arrested by Pinellas County Sheriff’s deputies after intentionally striking a deputy with his SUV, which in turn resulted in a pursuit before he crashed into two parked vehicles.
According to deputies, the man, 28-year-old Marcel F. Stankovic, was a patron at the Oz Gentleman’s Club at 13577 U.S. Highway 19 North when the club’s security issued him a trespassing warning for being intoxicated.
Pinellas deputies received a call about a patron refusing to leave property at about 2 a.m. Saturday. Upon arrival deputies said Stankovic smelled of alcohol, his eyes were blood shot and he was unstable.
Stankovic left the business after deputies arranged for an Uber ride to take him home, said the arrest report, per abc action news.
Pinellas Deputy Jason Fineran, 31, was flagged down by the Uber driver shortly afterward. The Uber driver told Fineran that Stankovic insisted he bring him back to the club. Stankovic was found in the driver’s seat of his 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe with the engine running.
When Deputy Fineran approached the vehicle Stankovic placed the vehicle in reverse, accelerated and struck the deputy with the side of the vehicle, said the report obtained by abc action news. Deputy Fineran was then pinned between the Tahoe and another parked vehicle.
Deputies initiated a pursuit as Stankovic left the parking lot and headed north on the U.S. 19 Frontage Road. Stankovic was followed through unincorporated St. Petersburg to 40th Avenue North, where the Tahoe went out of control and crashed into two parked vehicles.
Upon crashing at 6445 40th Ave. N., Stankovic attempted to run away. Deputies found him hiding near a residence in the 6400 block of 41st Ave. North and took him into custody.
Deputy Fineran received minor injuries to his arm and hand.
Stankovic was taken to Pinellas County Jail without incident. He was charged with one count of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, one count of driving under the influence, one count of aggravated fleeing and eluding, one count of resisting an officer without violence, one count of leaving the scene of a crash with property damage.
