PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Pinellas Park Police say five people were seriously injured after an SUV crashed into a tree early Wednesday morning.
Authorities say the crash happened in the 9000 block of 49th Street North. Officers were called to the scene just before 5:30 a.m.
According to police, the driver was a 20-year-old and the passengers ranged in age from 15 to 18.
Police say the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed when it drifted from the lane and crashed into a center median and then a palm tree. The crash caused a small fire to start in the vehicle and a group of people walking by helped put the fire out and get the people inside the SUV out.
Police say they found a stolen handgun and drugs inside the SUV. The investigation is active and criminal charges are pending.
If there are any witnesses to this incident, please contact the Pinellas Park Police Department at 727-369-7864.