Tampa Bay-area businessman Jeff Knight, who was driving the boat that hit the Clearwater ferry back in April, has been arrested three months after the deadly crash: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/crime/jeff-knight-clearwater-ferry-arrested-boat-crash-driver-business/67-f332c63e-88c6-481b-ae83-b5172f97de90 Knight has been charged with eight felony counts of leaving the scene of a boating accident involving death or serious bodily injury, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced Monday. FWC says additional misdemeanor charges will be filed with the State Attorney’s Office, including failure to maintain a safe speed, as well as failure to maintain a proper lookout, resulting in a fatal boating accident. The crash happened around 8:40 p.m. on April 27, when 62-year-old Knight crashed his personal boat into the Clearwater ferry, which was carrying 45 people near the Memorial Causeway bridge, FWC said. One man, 41-year-old José Castro, was killed, and 10 others were hurt. Investigators said Knight then fled the scene on this boat but was stopped by Pinellas County deputies 3.5 miles south of the crash, where he submitted to a breathalyzer test that showed no alcohol in his system. “We’re proud of the cooperative efforts between our agency, law enforcement partners, and the State Attorney’s Office to bring justice to those impacted by this tragic event,” Maj. Evan Laskowski, FWC southwest regional commander, said. Knight is the owner of Knight Global Entertainment, LLC, which runs several St. Petersburg businesses, including Jannus Live, Pelican Pub, Ringside Cafe, Detriot Liquor and The Landing. He stepped down from his position at Jannus Live in the days following the crash. FWC will give an update on the investigation into the crash at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Clearwater Police Department. You can watch it live on 10 Tampa Bay+. Why Jeff Knight drove away from ferry crash A day after the crash, Knight's attorney claimed that Knight initially stayed at the scene of the crash, offering to help the people on board before realizing that "his boat had taken on a large amount of water." Afraid his boat might sink with an infant on board, Knight began driving back to his dock, according to his lawyer. The attorney emphasized that Knight only drove away from the scene once Clearwater police officers were in the water and ambulances had arrived. FWC officials said they analyzed surveillance video, physical evidence and witness interviews to file the charges against Knight. Knight was booked into the Pinellas County Jail just before 7 p.m. He posted bond and was released from jail just after 10 p.m. Knight's history of boating charges This is not the first time Knight has faced charges related to a boating accident. According to court records, he has a history of boating, DUI and traffic charges dating back to 2012. Pinellas County court records show Knight faced a careless operation of a vessel citation and a misdemeanor for allowing a person under 14 years old to operate a boat in 2017. He was convicted on the first charge but not sentenced. Knight was also charged in a 2019 boating accident, which was later dismissed. In 2012, he was sued after a man died getting off a boat, but it was also dismissed. He was charged in 2007, but that charge was reduced to reckless driving. He was convicted but not sentenced. Knight also faced a DUI charge in 2012 and was found guilty, according to county court records.