Jonathan Stuart Chinchilla

Dunedin Man Arrested After Crashing Into Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy, Impairment Suspected

DUNEDIN, FL. – Deputies assigned to the Major Accident Investigation Team are conducting a deputy-involved crash investigation in Dunedin.

According to investigators, a deputy assigned to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office DUI Unit conducted a traffic stop on a white Ford van at Skinner Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

The vehicle stopped in the center left-turn lane on Skinner Boulevard. Deputy Temple approached the driver’s side of the stopped vehicle on foot.

Investigators say that while speaking to the driver, Deputy Temple noticed a vehicle traveling eastbound on Skinner Boulevard, heading toward her.

Deputy Temple attempted to get out of the way of the vehicle, however, the vehicle struck her with the driver’s side rearview mirror. The vehicle then fled eastbound and deputies began to search for the vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, deputies were able to identify the vehicle and the male driver, 32-year-old Jonathan Chinchilla.

With the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Flight Unit, the vehicle was located at the suspect’s residence, unoccupied.

After several attempts, deputies were able to make contact with Chinchilla at his residence. Deputies arrested Chinchilla and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail, charging him with leaving the scene of a crash involving injury.

According to investigators, impairment appears to be a factor in the crash.

Deputy Temple was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

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