Officers from the St. Petersburg Police Department are investigating a double fatality crash. The crash led to vehicular homicide charges against one of the drivers.
Investigators charged 21-year-old Owen Gardner Whittaker of Holiday with vehicular homicide, following the initial crash investigation
At about 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, December 9, a Toyota Corolla, driven by Whittaker was northbound on 4th Street North, approaching the intersection of 72nd Avenue North.
A blue Mazda 3 was southbound on 4th Street North, and had entered the left turn lane to turn left onto 72nd Avenue North.
The light changed to red, and the Mazda attempted to complete the turn.
Investigators say that Owen Gardner Whittaker ran the red light and was struck by the Mazda. Whittaker went off the road, and struck a bicyclist on the sidewalk, a 62 year old St. Petersburg man . He also struck a pedestrian on the sidewalk, a 62 year old St. Petersburg woman. He then struck a light pole and a crosswalk signal. Investigators have estimated his speed at 60mph at the time and two other vehicles stopped for the red light.
The bicyclist was pronounced dead on the scene by Fire Rescue and the woman died a short time later at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. None of the occupants of the vehicles suffered any injuries.
The names of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of
kin.
Whittaker was charged with two counts of Vehicular Homicide and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Northbound lanes on 4th St. were closed between 69 and 73rd Ave. N. for several hours due to the investigation. Southbound lanes are still open.