A Spring Hill man convicted in a 2022 shooting incident has fled law enforcement after removing his ankle monitor during a break in court proceedings, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. His whereabouts are still unaccounted for.
Jerae N. Crussell, 41, was on trial in district court on April 3 for charges of aggravated battery and being a felon in possession of a handgun, causing serious bodily injury. Crussell, who was out on bond, left the courthouse during a break before the verdict was delivered. He returned home, cut off his ankle monitor and fled the area.
Despite his absence, the trial continued, and Crussell was found guilty on both charges. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force is assisting in locating him.
Crussell’s charges stem from a Feb. 19, 2022, shooting in the parking lot of Mermaids Lounge, located at 4564 Commercial Way in Spring Hill. Deputies responded to the scene around 2:10 a.m. after witnesses reported a man had been shot multiple times. The suspects, described as an unidentified Black male and a Hispanic male, fled before deputies arrived. The victim was treated by bar patrons and later transported to a trauma center, where he was expected to recover.
Following an investigation, Crussell was identified as a suspect, and a warrant for his arrest was issued on May 13, 2022. He was arrested a week later at his place of employment in Pasco County.
Crussell remains at large. Authorities are urging anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact their local law enforcement agency or Hernando County Crime Stoppers. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 1-866-990-TIPS (8477), using **TIPS from a cell phone, or visiting hernandocountycrimestoppers.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
