A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy has been arrested after a hit-and-run crash in Largo that was followed by two more vehicles being hit.
- James Gerard Paes faces charges after Sunday night crashes
- Paes had minor injuries; another driver incurred serious injuries
- More charges, including DUI, pending, according to FHP
James Gerard Paes, 39, of Lithia, was charged with careless driving and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.
He was placed in the Pinellas County Jail and, according to the Florida Highway Patrol, additional DUI charges are "considered pending at this time."
FHP said Paes was traveling at a high rate of speed Sunday night on 131st Street North approaching 102nd Avenue North.
Paes lost control of his vehicle, hit another car, continued southbound and collided with the rear of a third vehicle, troopers said. He then hit a fence and fled the scene on foot before being caught by Largo Police Department offices, according to an FHP report released Monday afternoon.
Witness photo of Sunday night's crash
The driver of the third vehicle incurred serious injuries after it overturned.
Paes was fleeing from a previous hit-and-run crash in Largo, the FHP said in the report.
He was taken to Bayfront Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries. Authorities said he tried to leave the hospital on foot before being taken into custody.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Monday afternoon that Paes has been suspended without pay "pending termination."
Paes was also arrested on an outstanding warrant from 2011 that charged him with writing a worthless check.
He was released from jail Monday on $6,000 bond.