An attempted traffic stop turned deadly in Cleveland early Saturday morning.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a trooper attempted to pull a car over for a red light violation around 1:11 a.m. near St. Clair Avenue and East 93rd Street. That's when troopers say the driver, who has since been identified as 30-year-old Antonio Whitley, took off instead.
From there, the trooper put on his emergency lights and sirens and a chase ensued at a high rate of speed. It was quickly called off due to unsafe conditions created by Whitley.
A few minutes later, the trooper noticed a crowd gathering at a gas station near St. Clair and East 123rd Street. He was told by witnesses that the same car he had tried to stop had crashed into a utility pole at East 124th Street and St. Clair.
Whitley was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people were also in the car, including a 25-year-old woman and a 17-year-old male. Both were taken to the hospital for their injuries.
According to authorities, the 25-year-old woman was identified as Ashley Martin of Cleveland. Martin was transported to University Hospital for her injuries, where she later passed away from her injures.
Troopers say alcohol appears to be a factor in the crash, and no one was wearing their seatbelt.
St. Clair Avenue from East 123rd to East 125th was closed until 3:30 a.m.
