Police: Man Jumps From Bridge During Traffic Stop

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man who jumped from the Belleair Causeway Bridge around 9:30 Tuesday night, according to a press release.

Update: 5:20 p.m.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office was able to track down surveillance footage of the man last night at a nearby convenience store just before the traffic stop. The still photo is attached to this article.

Earlier:

During the traffic stop, the driver, who is described as a white man, about 34 years old, last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark colored shirt, stopped the SUV, got out and jumped over the bridge's railing, according to officials. Police say he may have a tattoo on the base of his neck.

Members of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Patrol Unit, Flight Section,
and Marine Unit searched for the suspect throughout the night. Also
assisting in the search was the US Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife.

The traffic stop was initially conducted on the vehicle for Unlawful Speed.
When the 2005 dark blue Dodge Durango came to a stop on the bridge, the deputy made contact with the white male driver and asked for identification and
vehicle information.

As the deputy researched the information provided in his patrol car, the
driver of the SUV exited his vehicle, ran to the railing of the bridge, then
jumped over. An extensive search for the suspect was conducted, but the
suspect remains at large at this time.

Deputies have developed various leads to the suspect's where-abouts and are
actively following up on them at this hour.

If anyone has information as to the suspect's location, they are asked to call
Deputy Jacoby at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office at 727-582-6200.  Or, to
remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward, contact Crime Stoppers at
1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.