Posted on 10-05-20 at 2:04 p.m.

At about 3:10 a.m., Zachary Marckise Vereen Sr., (DOB 11-9-84) of St. Petersburg, was traveling north on 8th Street at a high rate of speed in a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer. Vereen swerved around a slower vehicle and lost control of his car, striking several palm trees in the 100 block of 8th Street. North. Vereen was transported to Bayfront Health where he died of his injuries.

Several minutes earlier, Vereen drove by a crime scene at 17th Ave. S. and 16th Street South. The car was pointed out as possibly being a suspect who had a gun and struck a woman at that location. An officer followed Vereen, attempting to get an auto tag number, but Vereen sped off and the officer discontinued following him and turned off. The officer did not pursue and this has been verified by several independent witnesses.

Also, it has been determined that Vereen was not the suspect in the earlier crime.