Driver who died in stolen car crash identified

ST. PETERSBURG -- Authorities have identified a man who died early Monday when he drove a stolen car into a pole at the northbound 54th Avenue S exit of Interstate 275.

David Stephens, age unknown, of 317 60th Ave. Terr. W in Bradenton was driving a stolen Cadillac, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

A state trooper caught the Cadillac going 78 mph on the Sunshine Skyway and flipped on his patrol car's lights. When the Cadillac wouldn't stop, the trooper was told to end the pursuit, the FHP said.

Shortly afterward, the northbound car exited the highway and hit the pole, the FHP said. Stephens died at the scene. A passenger, Timothy L. James, 20, of Bradenton, died at Bayfront Medical Center.

Troopers say they found a gun and drugs in the Cadillac.

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