HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Jerae N. Crussell, 41, is a fugitive after fleeing his trial on charges of Aggravated Battery and Felon in Possession of a Handgun-Causing Serious Bodily Injury.
Crussell absconded during a break in his trial on April 3, 2025, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Crussell, who was out on bond, removed his ankle monitor and fled his residence before the jury returned its verdict. Despite his absence, the trial proceeded, and he was found guilty on both counts.
READ: Decade Of Justice: MS-13 Gang Members Charged In Brutal Florida Murders
The charges stem from a shooting incident that occurred on February 19, 2022, at approximately 2:10 a.m. at Mermaids Lounge, located at 4564 Commercial Way in Spring Hill.
Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a man being shot multiple times in the parking lot. Witnesses reported that two suspects, described as a black male and a Hispanic male, fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.
Patrons treated the victim until EMS arrived, and the victim was transported to a local trauma center with gunshot wounds.
Following an investigation, Crussell was identified as a suspect on May 13, 2022, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of Aggravated Battery with Great Bodily Harm – Possess/Discharge/Injury and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. He was subsequently arrested at his place of employment in Pasco County on May 20, 2022.
READ: Pedestrian Dies After Being Struck By Vehicle In Tampa
Now, with a guilty verdict and an active warrant for his arrest, Crussell is being sought by authorities. The U.S. Marshal’s task force is assisting in the search.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information regarding Crussell’s whereabouts to contact their local law enforcement agency.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
