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

Detective Stephen Bingham (Injured Deputy)
Age: 50
Hire Date: 01/28/2002
Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Camry LE (Unmarked Agency Vehicle)

Todd M. James (Driver-Cited) 
DOB: 01/05/1984 
Address: 7501 Sheldrake Street, New Port Richey
Vehicle: 2014 Toyota Camry

Michael C. Metz  (Driver)
DOB: 06/05/1967
Address: 12846 Solola Way, Trinity
Vehicle:  2015  Audi A6 TDI

What:
The Sheriff’s Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.) is investigating a deputy involved crash. Three vehicles were involved.

When:
The crash occurred at about 3:18 p.m. on March 11, 2016.

Where:
The crash occurred on East Lake Road, just north of Ruen Drive in Palm Harbor.

Why/How:
According to investigators, 32-year-old Todd James was traveling north in the median lane of East Lake Road just north of Ruen Drive, when he rear ended the vehicle driven by Detective Stephen Bingham which was stopped in traffic in the median lane. Detective Bingham’s vehicle in turn was pushed into the vehicle driven by 48-year-old Michael Metz who was also stopped in traffic in the median lane.

Detective Bingham was transported by ambulance to Trinity Medical Center for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Metz and James were seen by East Lake Fire Rescue personnel on scene, but reported no injuries and refused transport to the hospital.

Deputies say neither speed nor alcohol were factors in the crash.

Deputies say James was cited for careless driving.

The investigation continues.