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Pinellas Sheriff: Man Hit Deputy with SUV

Police | Crime | Investigation

The man led deputies on a car chase before crashing into two parked cars, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office said.

PINELLAS COUNTY – Pinellas deputies arrested a St. Petersburg man who, they said, intentionally hit a deputy with an SUV before fleeing and leading them on a chase that ended when he crashed into two parked cars.

Marcel F. Stankovic, 28, of St. Petersburg, was charged with one count each of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, driving under the influence, aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting an officer with violence, and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage. Deputy Jason Fineran received minor injuries to his arm and hand as a result of being struck by the 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe that Stankovic was driving, the Pinellas Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies said they were called to the Oz Gentleman’s Club, 13577 U.S. 19 N, about 2 a.m. today (Jan. 14) because Stankovic was refusing to leave. He had been trespassed earlier by the club because he was drunk, deputies said.When they arrived at the club, deputies said Stankovic smelled of alcohol, his eyes were bloodshot, and he was unstable on his feet. Deputies said the club’s security personnel told them Stankovic was so impaired that security had to park his vehicle for him when arrived at the business.

Deputies arranged for Stankovic to take an Uber ride home. Stankovic left the premises in the Uber. Shortly afterward, Fineran was flagged down by the Uber driver who told him that Stankovic insisted he take him back to the Oz Gentleman’s Club.

Fineran said he found Stankovic’s SUV in the club’s parking lot. Stankovic was in the driver’s seat with the car running. Fineran said he approached Stanovick’s vehicle and knocked on the driver’s side window.

Stankovic looked at Fineran, put his SUV in reverse and accelerated while turning the steering wheel. Deputies said Stankovic struck Fineran with side of his Tahoe, pinning the deputy in between the SUV and another vehicle that was parked alongside the Tahoe.

Stankovic then fled the scene in his Tahoe, headed north on the U.S. 19 Frontage Road. Deputies said they pursued him and followed the Tahoe to Belleair Road where the vehicle made a U-turn to go south on U.S. 19.

Deputies said the Tahoe continued southbound on U.S. 19 to Bryan Dairy Road, where the vehicle turned west and went to Belcher Road where it turned south. At one point during the pursuit, Stankovic drove into oncoming traffic and turned his headlights off in an attempt to elude deputies.

Deputies followed Stankovic’s Tahoe through unincorporated St. Petersburg to 40th Avenue N, where he turned east and lost control of the Tahoe. Deputies said he crashed into two parked vehicles at 6445 40th Ave. N.

After the crash, Stankovic got out of the Tahoe and fled on foot. Deputies said they found him hiding near a residence at 6428 41st Ave. N where they arrested him.

For information about the Pinellas sheriff, go to pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas Sheriff | Crime | Arrests | Pinellas Arrests | Tampa Bay Reporter

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