Scooter rider, 81, crashes before hitting bus in Pinellas Park, police say

PINELLAS PARK — An 81-year-old man is in critical condition after sliding a scooter on the roadway to avoid hitting a bus, police say.

Pinellas Park Police say James Woods, 81, of Pinellas Park, was riding a 2022 motor scooter east on 70th Avenue approaching 44th Street N around 2:35 p.m. Friday. A Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority bus was stopped at a local bus stop, but Woods was unable to slow down.

Police say Woods laid down the motor scooter and slid on the roadway. He did not collide with the bus. Woods was transported to a local hospital.

This is a developing story. Stay with tampabay.com for updates.