A Tampa man is facing charges after police said he caused a crash that killed one person and injured five others.
D'Angelo Howard, 28, is facing charges of vehicular homicide in connection with the crash, which happened just after 11 p.m. at the intersection of Hillsborough and Florida avenues.
According to police, a family was traveling in a Honda Odyssey on Hillsborough Avenue just after 11 p.m. when Howard, who was driving a Jeep Commander, blew through the Florida Avenue red light and struck the van.
David Martinez, 14, of Orlando, died at the scene. Five members of Martinez's family were taken to local hospitals. Natalie Loya, 22, is currently in critical condition, while Veronica Martinez, Albert Martinez, Irma Martinez and Ernesto Martinez are all listed as being in stable condition.
Howard was also taken to St. Joseph's Hospital, where he was taken into custody.
Police said they are still investigating the crash, but so far they have determined that a patrol officer spotted Howard driving recklessly near Nebraska Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard about 10 minutes before the deadly crash.
"This truck came head on going like 50-60 mph," said Yvonne McCray, who was not injured. "All I can do is just sit and stop and stare, and I'm like 'OK, my life is on the line and we are about to die.' "
The officer tried to stop Howard, but Howard sped away, police said. The officer did not pursue Howard, in accordance with department guidelines, but issued a BOLO for the Jeep Commander.
A few minutes later, the Jeep slammed into the minivan.
The crash remains under investigation.