ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Three people were hurt after a car crashed into a St. Petersburg apartment building, police said.
A spokeswoman for the St. Petersburg Police Department said at around 4:30 a.m. Sunday, Deairis Bargman, 32, was driving the wrong way on 15th Avenue South.
According to the spokeswoman, an officer tried to stop the driver, but he fled, only to crash into an apartment building.
Bargman, a male passenger, and a resident of the apartments were injured. However, police said it was not life-threatening.
The department said there was also a minor gas leak that was taken care of quickly.
One of the victims, Wilfredo Ortega, spoke with WFLA News Channel 8 about the crash. He said he was asleep when the car crashed into his apartment Sunday morning.
“The wheels of the car skidding, and when he hit my wall, all that fell on top of me, and that was it, threw me to the side,” Ortega said. “I feel terrible. I’m hurt. I’m in pain. I believe in God. That’s the one that saved my life.”
The crash left 20 stitches on Ortega’s forehead, but he said he’s making the best of the situation.
“Got to make the best of it and keep moving. That’s what I’m gonna do. That’s all I can do,” he added. He said the Red Cross is helping him out and he’s going to stay in a hotel for now.
“I’m alive. I made it through. That’s what counts,” Ortega said.
Bargman was charged with DUI with property damage, fleeing and eluding, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of marijuana.
