Both drivers involved in an April 8 motorcycle-car crash were arrested July 22 by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Major Accident Investigation team.
Gregory C., 52, of Palm Harbor was arrested for felony DUI (fourth arrest) and driving with a suspended or revoked license (misdemeanor). He also was cited for having no motorcycle endorsement.
Lajune C., 59, of Clearwater, listed as the “at-fault driver,” was arrested for leaving the scene of a crash with property damage, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury, DUI crash with property damage and DUI crash with serious bodily injuries. She also was cited for causing the crash, failure to yield to right of way entering/approaching an intersection.
The crash occurred just after 11:30 p.m. April 8 at the intersection of Fisher and Curlew roads in Dunedin.
According to deputies, Gregory was heading eastbound on Curlew Road on his 1991 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he was struck by Lajune who was heading westbound in a 2007 Pontiac G-5.
Deputies said Lajune made a U-turn in front of Gregory, striking him on the left side. Gregory was ejected from his motorcycle, and thrown 30 feet. Lajune left the scene and deputies found her later in a parking lot at U.S. 19 and Curlew Road.
Gregory received multiple fractures to his left leg and other injuries. He was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph’s Hospital. He was not wearing a helmet. Lajune was not injured.
Investigating deputies say alcohol was a factor for both drivers. The results of the blood alcohol tests taken that day for both drivers confirmed they were both under the influence.
Gregory was booked into the Pinellas County jail and released the same day on $6,000 bond. Lajune also was released from jail the day of the arrest on bonds totaling more than $20,000.
As you can see, police can make a DUI arrest months after an accident like this. Lesson learned: contact a Clearwater DUI attorney if you have the slightest hunch you could be charged in the future.
