Teen Dead, Another Teen Injured In Crash Following After FHP Pursuit In Pasco: FL Troopers

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The 15-year-old passenger from New Port Richey died in an early Sunday morning crash on State Road 54 after fleeing an attempted traffic stop by state troopers, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release.

The crash happened at 3:45 a.m., east of Old County Road 54, after a trooper saw a Chevy Traverse heading east on S.R. 54 at 74 mph in a 45 mph zone.

The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver didn’t pull over and instead fled, reaching speeds of 115 mph, FHP said.

East of Old County Road 54, the trooper conducted a PIT maneuver. The SUV then rotated onto the south shoulder of the highway and hit a utility pole before striking a tree.

Both people inside the vehicle were 15-year-old boys from New Port Richey.

Neither teen was restrained, and alcoholic beverages were found in their possession, troopers said.

Both suffered serious injuries and were taken to an area hospital, where the passenger later died.

Charges against the driver are pending, FHP said.

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