Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Bicyclist in Pinellas Park

In the early hours of Saturday, tragedy struck in Pinellas Park as a hit-and-run incident involving a bicyclist claimed the life of 37-year-old William Rothey of St. Petersburg.

Officers from the Pinellas Park Police Department and crews from Pinellas Park Fire Rescue responded to reports of a crash that occurred at approximately 3:04 a.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2023.

The incident occurred in the 11700 block of 66th Street N, where the severely injured male bicyclist was found near a badly damaged bicycle. Immediate medical attention was administered at the scene, and the victim was rushed to Northside Hospital for further treatment.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the bicyclist succumbed to his injuries and tragically passed away at the hospital.

Based on surveillance video and a witness statement, investigators determined Rothey was traveling south on 66th Street, along the paved shoulder and out of the curb lane. A vehicle traveling south on 66th Street left the curb lane and struck William Rothey’s bicycle. After the crash, the suspect fled the scene and failed to stop and render aid. Authorities knew they were looking for a 4-door sedan with a right rear tail light out.

At 3:16 a.m., approximately 12 minutes after the crash, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped the suspect vehicle at Park Boulevard and 84th Lane. The deputy noted the tail light was out and stopped the car for that violation. He later informed investigators that he noticed the windshield was cracked and caved inward, and fresh glass was still on the vehicle’s dashboard.

During the traffic stop, 26-year-old Anaya Millan showed the deputy her driver’s license. Two other female passengers were in the car at the time. Millan reportedly told Deputy Lewis she was involved in a crash “at a club.” One of the vehicle’s occupants later told investigators that she was sleeping in the rear passenger seat and that Millan was the only person driving the car during and after the crash.

According to court documents, the deputy then “released the vehicle,” despite the significant damage to the vehicle

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Junior Lewis resigned while under investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, December 14, 2023.

During the internal investigation, it was alleged that Deputy Lewis failed to take any action to investigate an extensively damaged vehicle and its driver, which was displaying obvious signs of impairment, and the vehicle had been involved in a recent crash. It was concluded that Lewis intentionally stopped his body-worn and in-car video cameras from recording his interactions with the occupants. This included Deputy Lewis instructing the driver and front-seat passenger to switch seats before allowing them to leave the scene and drive to a nearby residence. Deputy Lewis failed to check the driver for warrants and verify that the passenger had a Florida driver’s license before letting them drive off.

By failing to take any investigative action during the traffic stop and allowing the driver to leave, Deputy Lewis hindered the driver from being immediately charged with DUI manslaughter, according to a PCSO Inter-Office memorandum.

During a subsequent conversation with his commander, Deputy Lewis provided false and misleading information about his actions and omitted material details about the incident. In addition, while providing sworn testimony to the State Attorney’s Office about the fatal crash, Deputy Lewis failed to provide complete and accurate details about his actions and observations during the traffic stop.

On December 14, 2023, the Administrative Review Board submitted their findings to Sheriff Gualtieri to review the matter to determine whether to substantiate the allegations. Deputy Lewis immediately and abruptly resigned from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on December 14, 2023.

According to the Memorandum, Sheriff Gualtieri would have substantiated the policy violations and immediately terminated Deputy Lewis’ employment with the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. The matter will be referred to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission for its consideration of action against Deputy Lewis’ Florida law enforcement certification.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office located the 2012 Grey Hyundai Sonata SE abandoned in the Publix parking lot at 7333 Park Blvd at approximately 10:15 a.m. Surveillance video showed that the vehicle was dropped off at 3:34 a.m.

Upon vehicle inspection, pieces of the headlight were located at the crash scene. Both hair and droplets of blood were also located within the windshield.

At approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 30, Anaya Millan turned herself into the Pinellas County Jail, where she was booked for Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death. Her bail is set at $150,000. On September 12, 2023, her bond was reduced to $75,000, and she remains in the Pinellas County Jail.

With the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and Largo Police Department, investigators have identified and located all parties involved in this incident.

Pinellas Police Dept. Update : identification

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Pinellas Park hit-and-run DUI manslaughter
2. Suspect facing additional charge for hit-and-run DUI

A tragic hit-and-run incident in Pinellas Park claimed the life of bicyclist William Rothey. The incident occurred early on Saturday, July 29, 2023, on 66th Street N, where Rothey was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. Anaya Millan, the driver, later turned herself in and faces charges. The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office investigated Deputy Lewis for his handling of the case and found he failed to take appropriate action. Lewis resigned amidst the investigation. The case highlights the importance of accountability and justice in cases of fatal accidents. With all parties identified, the investigation continues to seek justice for William Rothey. The Pinellas Park Police Department emphasizes the importance of stopping, rendering aid, and notifying law enforcement following a motor vehicle collision. On August 3, 2023, Nicole Ventura, a passenger in a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident that killed William Rothey, was arrested and charged with Accessory and Tampering with evidence. Ventura failed to call 911 or assist at the crash scene, instead fleeing with her co-defendant, Anaya Millan. She helped Millan dispose of the vehicle used in the incident and provided a statement before her arrest. The investigation continues, with the State Attorney’s Office recently amending charges to include DUI Manslaughter.

Tragic Hit-and-Run Incident Claims Life of Bicyclist in Pinellas Park

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a hit-and-run incident in Pinellas Park has resulted in the loss of a 37-year-old bicyclist’s life. The victim, identified as William Rothey of St. Petersburg, was struck in the early hours of Saturday, July 29, 2023, in the 11700 block of 66th Street N.

Authorities from the Pinellas Park Police Department and Pinellas Park Fire Rescue swiftly responded to the scene following reports of the crash at approximately 3:04 a.m. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being rushed to Northside Hospital, Rothey tragically succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

The investigation into the incident revealed that Rothey was traveling south on 66th Street when a vehicle veered out of the curb lane and collided with his bicycle. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without stopping to render aid, leaving Rothey severely injured.

Surveillance video and witness statements helped authorities identify the suspect vehicle as a 4-door sedan with a right rear tail light out. Just 12 minutes after the crash, a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped the suspect vehicle at Park Boulevard and 84th Lane. The driver, identified as 26-year-old Anaya Millan, initially claimed to have been involved in a crash at a club.

However, further investigation revealed discrepancies in Millan’s account of events. Deputy Lewis, who conducted the traffic stop, later resigned from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office amid allegations of mishandling the situation. It was determined that Lewis failed to take appropriate investigative actions and allowed the driver to leave the scene without facing immediate charges.

The abandoned vehicle involved in the hit-and-run was later located in a Publix parking lot, where pieces of the headlight and traces of blood were found. Upon inspection, it became evident that the vehicle had been involved in the fatal crash.

Following the investigation’s findings, Anaya Millan turned herself in at the Pinellas County Jail on July 30 and was booked for Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death. Her bail was initially set at $150,000 but was later reduced to $75,000. Millan remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue.

With the collaborative efforts of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office and the Largo Police Department, all parties involved in the tragic incident have been identified and located. The community mourns the loss of William Rothey and awaits justice for the senseless hit-and-run that claimed his life.

As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward and assist in bringing closure to the victim’s family and loved ones. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility on the road to prevent such devastating incidents from recurring.

The Pinellas Park Police Department Stresses Importance of Stopping at the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Collision

It is crucial for anyone involved in a motor vehicle collision to remember their legal obligations. The Pinellas Park Police Department is reminding the public of the importance of stopping at the scene of an accident, rendering aid, and notifying law enforcement immediately.

Details of a Recent Incident

On Thursday, August 3, 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Pinellas County involving a hit-and-run that resulted in the death of William Rothey. The suspect vehicle, with Nicole Ventura as a passenger, fled the scene after the collision.

Nicole Ventura, who failed to call 911 or provide assistance to the victim, now faces charges of Accessory after the fact and Tampering with physical evidence. Ventura’s actions in aiding the suspect, Anaya Millan, in disposing of the vehicle used in the incident are under investigation.

Continued Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The Pinellas Police Department is committed to seeking justice for the victim and their family. As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided to the public. It was revealed on May 28, 2024, that the State Attorney’s Office has amended the felony charges to include DUI Manslaughter.

Despite receiving court information to attend a hearing, Nicole Ventura failed to appear, raising further concerns about her involvement in the incident. Investigators have determined that Ventura used her own vehicle to transport Anaya Millan after the hit-and-run.

Community Awareness and Responsibility

It is essential for all members of the community to understand their responsibilities in the event of a motor vehicle collision. By stopping at the scene, rendering aid, and contacting law enforcement, individuals can help ensure the safety and well-being of those involved.

The Pinellas Park Police Department urges citizens to be vigilant on the roads and to always adhere to traffic laws. By working together to uphold these standards, we can create a safer environment for everyone.