ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Several people were injured early Sunday morning after a car crashed into an apartment complex and hit a natural gas line in South St. Petersburg, according to police.
Around 4:30 a.m., Deairis Bargman, 32, crashed through a fence and hit the outside of the Wildwood Apartments after losing control of his car while trying to flee police, authorities said.
Police said the crash left debris across the roadway, so the area around 15th Avenue South and 24th Street has been blocked.
Before the crash, officers were attempting to stop the 32-year-old driver as he was driving the wrong way. Police said they do not know why he fled the attempted traffic stop.
A resident was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and has been released. Authorities said Bargman was also taken to the hospital but his injuries are non-life-threatening. His passenger was seriously injured but is in stable condition at this time.
Police said several other residents were evacuated due to the car hitting a natural gas line during the crash. Those individuals remained outside their homes until it was determined that there was no structural damage to the building, authorities said.
Charges are pending against the driver including fleeing and eluding, police said.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10 Tampa Bay for the latest updates.