ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The driver of a van involved in a serious crash last month is facing charges, including child neglect after her 11-year-old passenger was critically hurt, St. Petersburg police said.
And, the vehicle's owner is also being charged.
It all started just before 9 a.m. on April 15 in the area of 31st Street South near 1st Avenue South in St. Pete. Right before the crash, a St. Pete police officer attempted to pull over 19-year-old Ajaye Morrer, the driver of a Mercedes SUV.
According to police, Morrer sped off away from the officer and ran a red light on 31st Street South. It was then when Morrer reportedly crashed into a Honda Odyssey going southbound on the road. Morrer then reportedly sped off again, leaving the crash site.
Both the van's driver, 25-year-old Shavaria Brown and her 11-year-old passenger were rushed to the hospital. The 11-year-old girl was listed in critical condition at the time of the crash.
Morrer was arrested and charged with two counts of leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury and aggravated fleeing and eluding.
Fast forward to Thursday when St. Pete police said they charged Brown with driving a car without a valid license and child neglect. The neglect charge was added because police said the girl wasn't properly secured in the car with a seatbelt.
Additionally, the registered owner of the Odyssey has been charged for allowing an unlicensed driver to operate the van.
The 11-year-old is still in the hospital recovering and receiving treatment for her injuries. Police said that while she is still hospitalized, her condition is no longer critical.
Police said their investigation is still ongoing; whether that means further updates will be forthcoming isn't known at this time.
