Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
-Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT)

Deputy Christopher Ludtke (Driver- Injured)
Date of Hire: 08/7/2017
Age: 26
Vehicle: 2010 Ford Crown Victoria (Agency Vehicle)

Shannon Clark (Driver- Uninjured)
DOB: 10/23/1979
Vehicle: 2005 Dodge Neon

Ernest Clark (Passenger- Uninjured)
DOB: 05/27/1969
Vehicle: 2005 Dodge Neon

Zachariah Johnson (Driver- Uninjured / Arrested)
DOB: 06/10/1986
Address: 2794 42^nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Vehicle: 2016 Hyundai Elantra
Charges: DUI with Property Damage and No Valid Driver’s License

What:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a three vehicle crash in St. Petersburg.

When:
The crash occurred at about 12:49 a.m. on September 11, 2018.

Where:
The crash occurred on 38^th Avenue North at 34^th Street North in St. Petersburg.

Why/How:
Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are investigating a three vehicle crash in St. Petersburg.

According to investigators, on September 11, 2018 at approximately 12:49 a.m., Deputy Ludtke was on-duty in his fully marked 2010 Ford Crown Victoria traveling eastbound on 38^th Avenue North, and stopped for a red light at 34^th Street North. While stopped at the red light, Deputy Ludtke’s vehicle was directly behind 38-year-old Shannon Clark’s 2005 Dodge Neon. Both vehicles were in the median lane.

Investigators say, 32-year-old Zachariah Johnson, was driving his 2016 Hyundai Elantra, eastbound on 38^th Avenue North. Johnson did not stop for the red light at 34^th Street North, and crashed into the rear of Deputy Ludtke’s vehicle. The impact pushed Deputy Ludtke’s vehicle into the rear of Clark’s vehicle.

Deputy Ludtke was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

Clark and her passenger were assessed on-scene by paramedics and refused medical treatment.

Investigators say that Johnson showed signs of impairment at the scene of the crash and provided breath samples, which indicated he had a BrAC of .159/.171. 

Johnson was arrested and charged with DUI with Property Damage and No Valid Driver’s License.

The investigation continues.

booking photo of Johnson