Tribune photo by JULIE BUSCH
A utility pole lies alongside Fourth Avenue North after fleeing robbery suspects crash into it in St. Petersburg.
An armed robbery in Tampa led to a police chase into Pinellas County and a deadly crash in St. Petersburg, police said.
The driver of the fleeing car was arrested, and his mother died in the crash, St. Petersburg police say.
A man was robbed at 2601 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, at 10:14 p.m. Sunday, Tampa police spokeswoman Andrea Davis said. The victim called 911, and less than 10 minutes later, an officer spotted the car, a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, and tried to stop it near Lois Avenue and Interstate 275, Davis said.
The vehicle, with three people in it, fled south on I-275, tossing the stolen wallet and a short-barreled shotgun out the window, police said. The officer followed until the Impala got on Interstate 375 in St. Petersburg, then let a helicopter continue the pursuit, Davis said. Soon after, the car crashed into two utility poles at Fourth Avenue North and First Street Northeast, Davis said.
Angela Rodney, 36, of Orlando, died in the back seat, St. Petersburg police say.
Police said they caught the driver, Junior H. Rodney, 17, of Orlando, a short distance away. Rodney faces charges of vehicular homicide, leaving the scene of a crash involving a death and armed robbery.
A third person was being sought.
The Impala was a rental car, police said.
St. Petersburg police are investigating the crash.
Angela Rodney
Junior… it’s not the same with out you bro. We need our big offence of linemen on the feild. You got all of Oak Ridge prayin for you. We all miss your football call “PICAAHH!!” Got love for you homie. FREE JUNIOR!!
Free Junior, huh lets see Junior was running from the police after he robbed a man and then he killed his mom and all you can do is talk about football. Free Junior are you crazy.
FREE MY BROTHER AND ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE US
junior we miss u its not the same without u. i feel it was an accident u didnt mean to i think u didnt no where u where going u where in da wrong place at da wrong time it your mother fault u just made a bad mistake and u and cant take it away i will love you.