Man fleeing hit-and-run dies after crashing into tree in Pinellas Park, police say

The Pinellas Park Police Department identified the man as 27-year-old Yower Malvarez.

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A man who was fleeing from a crash police say he was involved in Friday night, died after crashing into a tree in Pinellas Park, the police department announced Saturday.

Police said the man, identified as 27-year-old Yower Malvarez, was involved in a “minor collision” with a 2024 black Hyundai Sonata at the intersection of U.S. 19 and Gandy Boulevard.

Following the collision, according to police, Malvarez fled the scene.

A short time later, police said as Malvarez approached the intersection of Gateway Centre Parkway and Gateway Centre Boulevard, he failed to stop at a stop sign and struck a tree. Police said he was then taken to a local hospital, where he died.

The driver of the Hyundai Sonata remained on scene following the initial crash, and is fully cooperating with investigators, the police department said. They did not suffer any injuries, according to police.

Impairment does not appear to be a factor in the crash Malvarez was killed in, police said. However, speed is believed to have contributed.