CLEARWATER, Fla. — A 28-year-old woman is dead after the driver of the SUV she was in tried to avoid being stopped by police, drove the wrong way and eventually crashed into a building, according to Clearwater Police.
It happened just after midnight Wednesday at Chestnut Street near South Prospect Avenue.
According to Clearwater Police, it all started when an officer tried to stop the SUV as it was heading eastbound on Court Street near Missouri Avenue.
To avoid being stopped, the SUV made a U-turn and drove west on Court Street, according to a release. The officer didn't go after the SUV.
When the SUV got to the point where Court Street and Chestnut Street meet, the driver, identified as 36-year-old Pedro Castro, went the wrong way and headed directly into traffic, police say witnesses told officers.
To avoid hitting someone head-on, Castro swerved, lost control and eventually hit a nearby building.
Castro was hurt and taken to the hospital. His passenger, 28-year-old Sasha Marie Hudtwalcker-Grey, died at the scene, according to police.
Officers say Castro will be charged with vehicular homicide, driving with a license suspended or revoked causing death and fleeing to elude causing death. Police say he has been to prison "multiple times over the years" and also had a warrant for his arrest out of Hillsborough County.
