5 People Seriously Injured When SUV Hits Tree Off 49th Street

PINELLAS PARK, FL — Five people have been taken to the hospital with serious injuries after the SUV they were in struck a tree in the center median on 49th Street.

According to Pinellas Park police, officers were called to the 9000 block of 49th Street near 91st Avenue at 5:23 a.m. after a Nissan Rogue SUV crashed into a palm tree.

The collision caused a small fire and all five occupants were trapped in the SUV. Some bystanders put out the fire and helped the people get out of the SUV.

After investigating, police determined that the SUV was traveling at a high rate of speed and drifted from the road, striking the palm trees. Police said they found a stolen handgun and narcotics inside the SUV. Charges are pending.

The driver was 20-year-old Michail Gaddy of St. Petersburg. Riding in the SUV were Amahri Lewis, 18, two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl, all from St. Petersburg.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Pinellas Park Police Department at 727-369-7864.