***UPDATE as of 10:23 a.m. on 11/13/2018***

The driver, 58-year-old David Schwab consented to a blood draw at the hospital which indicated he had a BAC of .083.

Schwab was charged with DUI Manslaughter and DUI with Property Damage.

Schwab remains in the hospital but will be transported to the Pinellas County Jail upon his release. 

***End of Update***

Who:

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
- Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T)

Michael Joe Richardson (Pedestrian – Deceased)
DOB: 07/07/1963

David Larry Schwab (Driver – Injured)
DOB: 11/20/1959      
Address: 402 Church Street, New Hartford, Iowa
Vehicle: 2016 Ford Flex

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) investigated a crash that fatally injured a pedestrian in Indian Rocks Beach.

When:
The crash occurred at about 1:54 p.m. on Monday, November 12, 2018.

Where:
The crash occurred on Gulf Boulevard just south of 4^th Avenue in Indian Rocks Beach.

How/Why:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) investigated a crash that fatally injured a pedestrian in Indian Rocks Beach.

According to investigators, at approximately 1:54 p.m. a PSTA bus heading southbound on Gulf Boulevard, was stopped at a designated bus stop, just south of 4^th Avenue.

A 2016 Ford Flex being driven by 58-year-old David Schwab, was heading northbound on Gulf Boulevard, when he crossed over to the southbound lane, in front of the PSTA bus.

Investigators say that Schwab’s vehicle struck the PSTA bus head-on, as 55-year-old Michael Richardson was placing his bicycle on the bicycle rack, which is located on the front of the PSTA bus.

Richardson sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by Bayflight to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.

Schwab was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, for non-life-threatening injuries.

The additional passengers on the PSTA bus were uninjured.

Due to the severity of the crash, deputies closed Gulf Boulevard, from 1^st Avenue to 5^th Avenue, while they conducted their investigation.

Investigators say that impairment appears to be a factor in the crash and criminal charges are pending for Schwab.

Next of kin has been notified.

The investigation continues.