Fleeing driver causes deadly crash in St. Pete, police say

ST. PETERSBURG (FOX 13) - A deadly crash has closed an intersection in St. Petersburg.

Pinellas County deputies said they attempted a traffic stop for a driver with a suspended license near 22nd Avenue South and 22nd Street in St. Petersburg. The vehicle was registered to John Owa, who was later identified as the driver.

Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said during a Thursday morning press conference that Owa sped away, and the deputy shut off the patrol car's emergency lights. Owa continued heading westbound, running through at least four red lights, Gualtieri explained

When Owa approached the intersection of 49th Street North and 5th Avenue North, he continued traveling northbound as he entered into the southbound lanes of traffic. In the middle of the intersection, he collided with a Ford Mustang, killing the driver inside, the sheriff said.

That victim was later identified as Donald Young, 56, of South Pasadena.

Owa was taken into custody at the scene and arrested after being checked out at a hospital.  He faces a variety of charges, including vehicular homicide.