A St. Petersburg Police officer conducted a traffic stop at 5th at approximately 1:36 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2020.
While the officer was standing by the car window requesting documents, the car sped off. The officer did not pursue as he was away from his cruiser.
Several minutes later police learned of the crash on I-275 north of 22nd Avenue N.
The Florida Highway Patrol is handling the fiery crash investigation that killed both occupants. Initial reports indicated at least one occupant was ejected from the vehicle.
Sounds of exploding ammo kept firefighters away from the scene upon their arrival.
Troopers say the 2012 Hyundai Genesis was traveling northbound on I-275 at 22nd Avenue North after fleeing from the traffic stop performed by St. Petersburg Police Officers at 5th Avenue South and 4th Street South (entrance ramp to I-175).
Despite not being pursued, the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed and failed to negotiate a curve in the Roadway.
The driver, identified as 28 year-old Andreis Hayward of Safety Harbor, lost control of the vehicle which entered the median, collided with a tree and overturned multiple times.
The passenger, 33 year-old Lorenzo Hayward of Clearwater, was ejected as the vehicle came to final rest and erupted in flames.
The crash closed the northbound lanes of I-275 until 6:15 AM.