Man Threatens To Jump Off Skyway; Accused Of Molesting 2 Boys

PINELLAS PARK, FL — A Pinellas Park man has been arrested after being accused of sexually battery two boys and then fleeing from officers and threatening to jump off the Skyway Bridge.

James Cromwell Humphreys, 53, of the 8100 block of 61st Way North in Pinellas Park, was arrested Wednesday and charged with eight counts of sexual battery on juveniles under age 12 and fleeing and eluding an officer.

After receiving a complaint, investigators from the Pinellas Park Police Department began looking into allegations that Humphreys sexually battered two boys, one 10 and the other 12.

During the investigation, detectives discovered that Humphreys had the boys over to his house multiple times between September and December 2018 and performed oral sex on the boys.

Detectives said Humphreys also bought the boys gifts and took them to lunch and to the park to develop a bond with them.

After developing probable cause to arrest Humphreys, detectives showed up at Humphreys' home on Wednesday around 8 a.m., but he refused to come to the door. While detectives were conferring with the Pinellas-Pasco County State Attorney's Office, Humphreys left his home. Police attempted to pull him over, but he fled, driving recklessly against traffic in the 7400 block of 49th Street so officers called off the chase.

Around noon, Humphreys' vehicle was found parked on top of the Skyway Bridge. Humphreys was standing on the edge of the bridge, threatening to jump. While St. Petersburg Police and Florida Highway Patrol troopers attempted to speak with Humphreys, a Pinellas Park Police detective trained in crisis negotiations arrived and convinced Humphreys to climb off the bridge.

Humphreys was taken into custody and has declined interviews with police.

Pinellas Park Police believe there may be more victims and is asking anyone with information to come forward.