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

G4S Security

G4S Security Officer Eric Lawson (Driver – Uninjured)
Age: 42-years-old
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Transport Van

Luis Santiago (Inmate Passenger – Non-Life Threatening Injuries)
DOB: 01/25/1977
Address: 7570 46^th Avenue North, Lot #265, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Transport Van

Windell Green (Driver – Uninjured)
DOB: 07/10/1976
Address: 5164 Jasmine Circle, St. Petersburg
Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Tundra

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a two vehicle crash involving a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office prisoner transport van in Pinellas Park that injured an adult inmate.

When:
The crash occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Monday, October 11, 2016.

How/Why:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) are investigating a two vehicle crash involving a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office prisoner transport van in Pinellas Park that injured an adult inmate.

According to investigators, G4S Security Officer Eric Lawson was driving a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, 2009 Chevrolet prisoner transport van, transporting inmate, 39-year-old Luis Santiago, to the Pinellas County Jail.

Investigators say that Security Officer Lawson was stopped in the Chevrolet transport van at the red traffic light on 49^th Street North, at the intersection of 62^nd Avenue North, in the center northbound lane. A 2014 Toyota Tundra driven by 40-year-old Windell Green, pulled up behind the transport van and stopped for the same red traffic light. When the traffic light turned green, the Toyota Tundra operated by Windell Green accelerated and rear-ended the transport van.

Investigators say that Santiago was handcuffed in the back of the transport van at the time of the crash and was transported by paramedics to Bayfront Medical Center for non-life threatening injures.

Security Officer Lawson and Windell Green were not injured as a result of the crash.

Both vehicles sustained minor damage.

Impairment does not appear to be a factor.

Prior to the crash, Pinellas deputies arrested Santiago at his residence. Santiago was being transported by G4S Security to the Pinellas County Jail for criminal charges of Domestic Battery and Violation of Probation (Possession of Marijuana).

The investigation continues.