Minivan flees from police; driver, passenger captured

ST. PETERSBURG -- Police say two people in a white minivan fled from police after running a red light at 22nd Avenue South and Fourth Street about 7 p.m.

Officer Phil Postle of the St. Petersburg Police said an officer tried to stop the vehicle for a traffic infraction, but the driver and passenger stopped the van near 37th Avenue South and 7th Street and ran away.

Police caught up with both of them in different directions a few blocks from the van. Postle said the van was a rental and police were working to return it to the company.

When asked why he fled, the driver told police that the passenger thought he had a warrant out for his arrest. Turns out he didn't, Postle said.

Postle said the driver and passenger will probably face charges of fleeing and eluding a law enforcement officer.

--Stephanie Garry, Times Staff Writer