Pinellas Park PD: Man hits, kills girlfriend with car

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - A 48-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the death of his live-in girlfriend, according to the Pinellas Park Police Department.

It happened Saturday around 2:30 a.m. in the area of 82nd Avenue N. and 60th Street N, when officers responded to a call regarding a female who was hit by a vehicle.

A preliminary investigation has determined that the victim, Belinda Joyce Thomas, 36, became involved in a domestic disturbance with Luis Antonio Santiago Maldonado.  The disturbance took place at their residence located at 8479 60th Street North, according to reports.

As a result of the disturbance, Thomas fled from the house on foot.

Investigators say Santiago entered a 2004 Dodge 4-door vehicle and gave chase, eventually striking Thomas in the roadway, approximately two blocks from the residence.  Santiago then allegedly abandoned the vehicle, and fled on foot.  

Thomas suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
 
At approximately 6:09 a.m., Santiago was located and taken into custody by members of the Pinellas Park Police Department SWAT Team at a residence in the 4600 block of 83rd Avenue N.