Wrong-way driver crashes on I-275

TAMPA -- A driver was traveling the wrong way on I-275 for one to two miles before he crashed into another car, seriously injuring its passengers. Florida Highway Patrol officials say the crash was alcohol-related.

Ryan Suarez, 32, of St. Petersburg, entered the northbound lanes of I-275 from either Kennedy Boulevard or Memorial Highway, and started driving south just after 3 a.m. Sunday morning, officials say. Andrew Ryan and Melissa Quick, both 20 of Tampa, were driving northbound on the same stretch of road, when they saw the car coming at them, south of Kennedy Boulevard.

Andrew Ryan swerved, but the front of Suarez's car hit the driver's side, and both cars spun out. Everyone was wearing seatbelts. All three survived, and were transferred to Tampa General Hospital. Ryan and Quick were seriously injured, and Suarez received minor injuries.

Florida Highway Patrol officials say charges are pending a blood alcohol count.

-- Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff