Police in Florida say erratic driver killed cyclist, then plowed into crowd

Published Thursday October 9th, 2008

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Florida authorities say an erratic driver who refused to stop for police hit and killed a cyclist, then plowed into a crowded parking lot, injuring nine.

St. Petersburg police say they attempted to pull over an unlicensed driver shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday when she took off speeding. Police say the driver hit a man on a bike, killing him instantly.

Her 2008 Dodge pickup landed in a crowded parking lot outside a liquor store.

Five of those injured were treated and released and four remain hospitalized.

The driver was arrested at a hospital where she was being treated for her injuries.

Police say 18-year-old Denise Battles is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal crash and vehicular homicide.

It was not immediately clear if she had a lawyer.

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