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Tampa firefighter charged in crashes

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By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 27, 2009

TAMPA - A Tampa Fire Rescue employee struck three mailboxes, a sport utility vehicle's bumper and an in-ground Bright House cable box before driving off without reporting the crashes, Hillsborough County deputies say.

Firefighter Mitchell Lee Smith, 50, of Tampa, was charged with five misdemeanor counts of leaving the scene of a crash leaving unattended property.

Smith was arrested Sunday night. He remains in Orient Road Jail, with bail set at $1,250.

The crashes occurred near Bruce B. Downs and Cross Creek boulevards. They caused about $1,250 damage, sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter said.

Smith was hired by the department in November 1989 and is assigned to Firehouse No. 6 in the Palmetto Beach area. He has been placed on annual leave.

The department is investigating the charges.

"I am shocked and surprised by these types of charges being brought against him," said Capt. Bill Wade, who has known Smith for years. "He's always been an upstanding employee and a very good person."

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached (813) 259-7691.

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