Woman Dies In Clearwater Crash; Driver Charged With Manslaughter

CLEARWATER, FL — A 36-year-old Tampa man has been charged with vehicular homicide after Clearwater police said he caused a crash that killed his passenger.

Around midnight Tuesday, a 2002 Suzuki sports utility vehicle driven by Pedro L. Castro was heading east on Court Street near Missouri Avenue when a Clearwater police officer attempted to make a traffic stop.

The SUV made a U-turn and headed west on Court Street. The officer did not pursue the SUV. At the intersection of Court Street and Chestnut Street, witnesses said Castro headed the wrong way on Chestnut, driving west directly into traffic.

To avoid hitting someone head-on, the SUV swerved, lost control and struck a building nearby.

Castro was taken to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg to be treated for his injuries. His passenger, a 28-year-old woman, died at the scene.

Police said Castro has been in prison multiple times over the years. He is also wanted on an arrest warrant in Hillsborough County.

He's being charged with vehicular homicide, driving with a suspended or revoked license and causing a death while fleeing to elude.