Clearwater Man Facing Vehicular Homicide Charge After Allegedly Striking Pedestrian

A Clearwater man is facing vehicular homicide charges after Pinellas County authorities say he drove through a red light at a high rate of speed and struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk.

St. Petersburg police say a 19-year-old man was driving at a high rate of speed on Central Avenue on June 26 when his 2007 Mercedes sedan approached the intersection of 58^th Street North and the red light showing on its traffic signal.

Per police, the vehicle was traveling at about 50 mph when it reached the intersection and struck a Hyundai sedan. Upon striking the Hyundai, the Mercedes then careened back into the crosswalk where a 70-year-old woman was in the crosswalk was attempting to reach the opposite curb. The suspect’s vehicle allegedly struck the woman, killing her instantly.

Authorities say the suspect was driving in earnest after his involvement in a car accident immediately prior, where his car allegedly struck an SUV. Rather than remaining to survey the damage, police say he left the area at high speed, leading to the second accident.

According to witnesses, the suspect’s car was covered in blood and he was dazed when police arrived on the scene. He was taken by stretcher from the area and booked into the Pinellas County Jail early the next morning on charges of vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. He was released two days later after posting a bond of $100,250.

The Law Offices of Bjorn Brunvand have been representing people charged with capital murder, felony drug charges, drunk driving, government fraud, and white-collar crimes for over a quarter century. Contact our office today to discuss your Tampa Bay-area state or federal charges.