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

Mark Spafford (Arrested Motorcyclist)
DOB: 03/09/1949
Address: 270 Sweetgum Court,  Palm Harbor
Vehicle: 2010 Harley Davidson Motorcycle
Arrested for Felony DUI, Fleeing and Eluding and Disorderly Intoxication

Deputy Michael Tavernier
Age: 29
Hire Date:  2/24/2014
Vehicle: 2008 Chevy Impala

Deputy Paul Langlais
Age: 38
Hire Date: 9/21/1998

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are conducting an investigation into a motorcycle vs patrol cruiser crash. No serious injuries were reported. The motorcyclist was arrested for Felony DUI, Fleeing and Eluding and Disorderly Intoxication.

When:
Deputies responded to the crash at approximately 3:55 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2015.

Where:
The crash occurred at the Gulf Boulevard and 75th Avenue in St. Pete Beach.

Why/How:
According to investigators, Sergeant Paul Langlais attempted to conduct a stop on a 2010 Harley Davidson for erratic driving at about the 6500 block of Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach.

The motorcyclist, identified as 66-year-old Mark Spafford, failed to stop and instead accelerated continuing northbound on Gulf Boulevard. According to investigators Sergeant Langlais turned his lights and siren off and disengaged.

Investigators say Deputy Michael Tavernier was responding to Sergeant Langlais' radio traffic and was approaching from 75th Avenue west of Gulf Boulevard. As Deputy Tavernier was clearing the Gulf Boulevard intersection with his emergency lights and siren, he was unsure where Sergeant Langlais was and looked south for his emergency lights. As Deputy Tavernier attempted to pull onto the curb on the southeast corner of 75th Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, he saw the motorcycle quickly change lanes from the inside right turn lane to the curb right turn lane (to turn right onto 75th Avenue).

M.A.I.T. investigators say Deputy Tavernier was traveling at a slow speed and hit the brake after seeing the motorcycle. Deputy Tavernier stopped partially blocking the curb side right turn lane, still leaving enough room for the motorcycle to turn right. Spafford locked up the front brake of his motorcycle, causing him to lose control. Deputies say the motorcycle fell to its left side and slid into the right side of the bumper of Deputy Tavernier’s 2008 Chevy Impala.

Deputy Tavernier was not injured in the crash.

Spafford was transported by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Deputies say Spafford displayed signs of impairment and behaved in a disorderly manner toward staff at the hospital, disrupting the work of the ER staff.

After being treated and released, Spafford was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

He was arrested for Felony DUI, Fleeing and Eluding and Disorderly Intoxication,

The investigation continues.