Sheriff’s deputy charged after hit-and-run crashes

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, 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 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. 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.

The driver of the third vehicle suffered 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, then placed in jail.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Monday afternoon that Paes has been suspended without pay "pending termination."

This story was originally published October 30, 2017 at 4:13 PM with the headline "Sheriff’s deputy charged after hit-and-run crashes."