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Fatal Crash Investigation
*****UPDATE*****UPDATE*****
Michael L. Haworth, Chief of Police
Pinellas Park Police Department
7700 59th Street N.
Pinellas Park, Florida 33781
Contact: Sergeant John Shea
Public Information Officer
O- 727-369-7830
JShea@pinellas-park.com
TITLE: Fatal Crash Investigation Leads to DUI Manslaughter Arrest
WHEN: Saturday, December 11th, 2021, at approximately 11:30 PM
WHERE: 9600 Blk Southbound 49th St N.
WHO:
ARRESTED: Anthony Messina Jr. W/M DOB - 5/10/1990 from St. Petersburg
DECEASED: Jacqueline Hearns B/F DOB - 9/28/1964 from Pinellas Park
WHAT: On Saturday, December 11th, at approximately 11:30 PM, officers were
called to the scene of a crash in the 9600 Blk of southbound 49th St. The
incident involved a motor vehicle and a bicyclist both traveling in the
roadway. The bicyclist, Jacqueline Hearns was pronounced deceased on scene by
responding paramedics.
Investigators determined Jacqueline Hearns was crossing 49th St on her
bicycle, equipped with statutorily required lights. The motor vehicle, driven
by Anthony Messina, was traveling south on 49th St and struck the bicycle
operated by Jacqueline Hearns. As a result of the collision, Jacqueline
Hearns sustained fatal injuries.
Throughout the investigation, Anthony Messina displayed signs of alcohol
impairment. As a result, officers completed a DUI investigation and
subsequently arrested Anthony Messina for DUI Manslaughter. In addition to
alcohol, speed is believed to be a contributing factor to the crash.
Anthony Messina was transported to the Pinellas County Jail. A booking
photograph of Anthony Messina has been attached to this release.
The second collision occurred in the northbound lanes of 49th St due to
traffic stopping for the initial crash. A driver involved in the second crash
investigation was arrested for DUI. No injuries were sustained as a result of
this collision.
No other information is expected to be released.
Released by: Sergeant John Shea
Previous Release
Michael L. Haworth, Chief of Police
Pinellas Park Police Department
7700 59th Street N.
Pinellas Park, Florida 33781
Contact: Sergeant John Shea
Public Information Officer
O- 727-369-7830
JShea@pinellas-park.com
TITLE: Fatal Crash Investigation
WHEN: Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 11:30 PM
WHERE: 9600 Blk southbound 49th St N
WHAT: At approximately 11:30 PM, officers responded to the 9600 Blk of 49th St
for a crash in the southbound lanes. The crash involves a motor vehicle and a
bicyclist. As a result of the initial crash, a second collision occurred in
the northbound lanes of 49th St.
The bicyclist involved in the first crash is deceased, and officers are
currently investigating the incident. The investigation will continue
throughout the night, and the southbound lanes of 49th St will remain closed
for several hours. No other information will be released through the
overnight hours. Upon completion of the investigation, more information will
be made available.
TRAFFIC ALERT- 49th St is closed between Lakes Blvd to 94th Ave. The exit
ramp from southbound US Highway 19 to southbound 49th St is also closed.
Released by: Sergeant John Shea
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Photo available at https://link.zixcentral.com/u/
CODE WORD: mediapic
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For more information contact:
Pinellas Park Police Department
Public Information Office
pio@pinellas-park.com