In a recent development in a case that has gripped St. Petersburg, 25-year-old Mackenzie Deaton entered a guilty plea for fleeing the scene of a serious crash involving a police officer. The St. Petersburg Police Department detailed the events on a Facebook post, putting closure on an incident that occurred early last year.
While conducting a traffic stop on I-375, back on January 6, 2024, an unsuspecting police officer was struck as he was emerging from his vehicle. The post from St. Petersburg Police Department added that the vehicle involved, identified as a white Kia sedan, collided with the police cruiser before leaving the injured officer behind. Deaton, who was behind the wheel of the Kia, did not stop to render aid or provide information, choosing instead to flee the scene.
Deaton was subsequently charged with severe offenses, including failure to remain at the scene of a crash that resulted in serious bodily injury and tampering with evidence. She also received a citation for violating the Move Over Law—a rule designed to shield service and emergency responders from such roadside calamities by mandating drivers to move over a lane or slow down when passing by.
The guilty plea was entered yesterday, ending a pursuit for justice that spanned over a year. Under the Move Over Law, by at least 20 mph below the posted limit, drivers are required to reduce their speed or move over one lane when safe, as they approach stationary vehicles that have emergency lights activated. This collision underscored the law's vital importance designed to safeguard lives on the roadside.
Deaton now awaits sentencing for her actions, which led to the injury of a St. Petersburg police officer and the breach of roadway safety laws. The resolution of the case signifies a stark reminder that consequences are in store for those who choose to disregard the safety of others, especially those who serve to protect. The case number, reported by St. Petersburg Police Department, is 2024-000628.
