PINELLAS PARK — The Pinellas Park Police Department is investigating a fatal traffic crash that occurred late Friday night, December 12, 2025.
At approximately 10:09 p.m., officers responded to a crash at the intersection of Gateway Center Parkway and Gateway Center Boulevard. Traffic homicide investigators determined the incident stemmed from an earlier minor collision at U.S. Highway 19 and Gandy Boulevard involving a 2002 white GMC Sierra and a 2024 black Hyundai Sonata.
Police said the driver of the GMC Sierra, identified as Yower Malvarez, fled the scene following the initial collision. A short time later, Malvarez approached the intersection of Gateway Center Parkway and Gateway Center Boulevard, failed to stop at a posted stop sign, and struck a tree.
Malvarez was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The driver of the Hyundai Sonata remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. That driver was not injured.
Investigators stated that impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash. Speed is believed to have contributed. The investigation remains ongoing.