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Judge Denies Bail For Bicyclist Accused Of Leaving Accident

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By MARK DOUGLAS

News Channel 8

Published: October 3, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Over the years, William Scott McCoy got himself in so much trouble driving that he lost his license in three states.

Now he remains in jail in Pinellas County, where he has been arrested 18 times on traffic offenses. A judge refused to let him out today after hearing more about the latest charge -- leaving the scene of an accident while riding a bicycle.

Neither the prosecutor nor the defense could provide details on McCoy's most recent arrest, Sept. 16, so Pinellas County Circuit Judge Philip J. Federico denied a defense motion to set bail or release McCoy on his own recognizance.

According to an arrest report, McCoy's bicycle struck a car driven by Teresa Scroppo at 109th Street and 102nd Avenue, not far from McCoy's home in Seminole. Pinellas sheriff's deputies later arrested McCoy, they said, for leaving the scene of an accident.

They picked up McCoy at his home after he called to report the incident. By then, Scroppo already had contacted deputies.

At the time, McCoy was out of jail on his own recognizance awaiting trial on a charge of driving without a license

McCoy has been arrested at least 18 times in Pinellas County on traffic charges including driving under the influence, reckless driving and driving with a suspended or revoked license.

Florida, Tennessee and Pennsylvania authorities have suspended his driving privileges for DUI.

In January, a news crew from WTXF television in Philadelphia reported that they followed McCoy while he drove to a local bar and liquor store near Philadelphia.

When WTXF reporter Jeff Cole asked McCoy why he was driving with a suspended license, McCoy flashed the reporter his wallet, which contained a number of driver's licenses, including one from Florida.

Reporter Mark Douglas can be reached at (727) 536-9603 or mdouglas@wfla.com.

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