Hillsborough Deputy Suspended For Fleeing Crash Scene In Largo

LARGO, FL - A Hillsborough sheriff’s deputy has been suspended "without pay pending termination," after fleeing the scene of three wrecks Sunday night in Largo.

James G. Paes, 39, faces charges of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injuries and leaving the scene of a crash involving property, but charges of driving under the influence are pending, the highway patrol said.

The Hillsborough sheriff’s office said the incident involving Paes “while in Pinellas County in his personal vehicle” resulted in his immediate suspension without pay pending termination.

About 9 p.m. Sunday, Paes was off-duty in his 2017 Nissan Titan while traveling southbound on 131st Street North near 102nd Avenue North in Largo when he hit the back of a Dodge Durango driven by John Dietrich, 27, of Seminole, the Florida Highway Patrol said. Dietrich and two passengers were not injured.

Paes was fleeing from a previous wreck being investigated by the Largo Police Department when he got involved in the second wreck, troopers said. Paes drove away before hitting a third vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado driven by Jonathan Specht, 40, of St. Petersburg.

The Silverado overturned while Paes' vehicle crashed into a fence. Specht suffered serious injuries. Following that collision, Paes fled on foot and was soon detained by Largo police officers, troopers said.

Paes was taken to Bayfront Medical Center where he was treated for minor injuries. After his release from the hospital, he was arrested by troopers.

Paes joined the sheriff’s office in 2004 and was assigned to patrol.

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