PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — BREAKING UPDATE: The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office identified the deputy who was killed in the hit-and-run accident. Deputy Michael Hartwick. Please click here for more information and breaking updates.
A deadly hit-and-run accident involving a Pinellas County deputy is restricting access to the southbound lanes on the Howard Frankland Bridge, authorities say. And, deputies are actively searching for the driver responsible for causing the crash.
The accident happened just after 11 p.m. Thursday, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. At the time, the sheriff's office said Tampa police were asked to close their city's side of the bridge to help minimize traffic.
The northbound I-275 entrance at Roosevelt Boulevard is closed. Southbound traffic onto I-275 at Roosevelt Boulevard will stay open. All lanes of Roosevelt Boulevard are open.
As of 4 a.m., it appears some traffic is being allowed to cross the Howard Frankland Bridge southbound, Florida Department of Transportation cameras show. However, heavy law enforcement and emergency vehicle presence are still seen on I-275 near Roosevelt Boulevard and Ulmerton Road.
Just after 4 a.m., the sheriff's office tweeted southbound I-275 traffic is being diverted onto Ulmerton Road. And, northbound I-275 traffic is being diverted onto Gandy Boulevard.
Drivers can expect traffic delays until midday, the sheriff's office said.
At this time, 10 Tampa Bay has not received any information on how serious the crash is. And details are still limited.