13-101 Fleeing Suspect Attacked By Alligator

Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
-Patrol Operations Bureau

Bryan Zuniga (Arrested)
DOB: 09/07/1992
Address: 8481 54^th Street North, Pinellas Park
Charges: Breaking or Injuring Fences, Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Driving While Driver’s Licenses Suspended/Revoked and Resisting an Officer Without Violence

What:
A Pinellas Park man was attacked by an alligator while fleeing Pinellas Deputies during a traffic stop.

When:
The suspect fled from deputies at approximately 2:47 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Deputies arrested the suspect at a local hospital at approximately 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2013.

Where:
The suspect fled from deputies near the 7100 block of 78^th Avenue N. The suspect was attacked by the alligator near a water treatment plant between Westchester Blvd and 71^st Street N.

Why/How:
According to deputies, the suspect fled during a routine traffic stop at approximately 2:47 a.m. on May 9, 2013. Deputies attempted to pull over the suspect’s vehicle for failing to maintain a single lane. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Bryan Zuniga, brought the vehicle to a stop and jumped out of the passenger side door. While fleeing, Zuniga broke a vinyl fence by kicking the fence line to make a hole for him to escape.

Zuniga was found a few hours later at a local hospital where he was being treated for multiple puncture wounds to his face, arm and armpit area. Zuniga advised deputies he was attacked by an alligator near a water treatment plant in unincorporated St. Petersburg.

The suspect was released from the hospital and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail without further incident.

Zuniga is being charged with Breaking or Injuring Fences, Fleeing and Eluding a Police Officer, Driving While Driver’s Licenses Suspended/Revoked and Resisting an Officer Without Violence.

The investigation continues.

Bryan Zuniga Booking Photo