PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Pinellas County deputies have arrested a 77-year-old man in connection with a hit-and-run crash that left a couple hospitalized with severe injuries over the holiday weekend.
Investigators with the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) announced Sunday evening that they have charged Eugenijus Sviderskas with two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury and one count of tampering with physical evidence.
The investigation began Friday night, November 28, just after 7:20 p.m. Emergency crews rushed to the intersection of Gulfport Boulevard and Luana Lane South after receiving multiple 911 calls about two people lying in the road.
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Deputies determined that 61-year-old Michael Lynch and 42-year-old Kristen Lynch were riding an electric scooter eastbound near the curb when they were struck from behind. The driver fled the scene immediately, leaving both victims on the pavement.
While initial witness reports described the suspect vehicle as an older model SUV, investigators used various techniques to track down the actual vehicle—a red 1997 Ford Econoline van registered to Sviderskas at a home on 25th Avenue South.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Sviderskas admitted to driving the van at the time of the crash. He reportedly told detectives he “heard a loud thud” but chose not to stop the vehicle.
As of Sunday night, both victims remain hospitalized. Michael Lynch is listed in critical but stable condition, while Kristen Lynch is currently in stable condition.
Sviderskas was taken into custody on Sunday. A booking photo was not immediately available.
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