Police: Suspect Arrested After High-Speed Chase

A St. Petersburg man is accused of abruptly pulling away from a Treasure Island Police officer at a high rate of speed during a traffic stop as the officer was walking toward his 2006 white Chrysler. 

Police say as he was driving away, 20-year-old Eddie Haygood shut off the car's light while speeding down the road and running multiple stop signs. 

According to the police report, Haygood "drove at high rates of speed and intentionally turned off the headlights/taillights on the vehicle" to avoid being seen. 

Haygood then, police said, stopped in an apartment complex parking lot and tried to flee. Haygood was caught, but an unidentified passenger in the vehicle escaped. 

Police said Haygood claims he does not know the passenger's name. 

The incident happened at 11:11 p.m., April 18 along the 100 block of 108th Avenue. 

Haygood, of 759 Newton Ave. S. in St. Petersburg, was charged with fleeing and eluding, reckless driving and driving without a valid drivers license. He was released on a $2,700 bond. 

Police said narcotics were found in the car. 

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