Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy sheriff killed in motorcycle crash www.privateofficer.com
New Port Richey Fla April 29 2012 A Pinellas County sheriff’s deputy died Friday after a motorcycle crash in New Port Richey, the sheriff’s office announced.
Deputy Jason Allen Shoulta was off duty when he crashed into a car that had made a left turn at the intersection of Perrine Ranch Road and Seven Springs Boulevard, also known as County Road 77, in New Port Richey. Shoulta was transported to Bayonet Point Hospital in Hudson, where he was pronounced dead at 1:23 p.m., the sheriff’s office said.
Shoulta, 43, of Oldsmar, joined the sheriff’s office in 1999. He currently worked in the patrol operations bureau. He had worked as a bailiff in court security and a member of the SWAT team.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jason’s family and friends,” said Sheriff Bob Gualtieri in a prepared statement. “There is no sense that can be made of such a tragedy and no words that can make this easier on anyone.”
Around 12:15 p.m., Shoulta was heading south on Seven Springs Boulevard on a 2010 Harley Davidson Street Glider, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
As Shoulta approached the intersection of Seven Springs Boulevard and Perrine Ranch Road, Taylor Anne Vanderbilt was heading north on Seven Springs Road in a 2006 Chrysler Sebring.
Vanderbilt, 20, of Tampa, entered into the path of Shoulta’s motorcycle when she made a left turn into a 7-Eleven gas station at the intersection, the patrol said.
Shoulta, who wasn’t wearing a helmet, hit the brakes and tried to avoid the vehicle, but he struck the rear of the car, the patrol said.
The crash remains under investigation. Results of alcohol tests taken from Vanderbilt are pending, the patrol said.
