Driver accused of racing in crash that killed man in St. Petersburg, police say

Charles Williams, a 22-year-old man from St. Petersburg, has been charged with vehicular homicide following a tragic crash that claimed the life of 52-year-old Corey Koeppen on September 11. The St. Petersburg Police Department reported that Williams was racing another driver in a bus lane when he collided with Koeppen's Ford Ranger at the intersection of First Avenue South and 51st Street South. The force of the crash ejected Koeppen from his vehicle, resulting in his death at the scene.

Williams was hospitalized with serious injuries but was released shortly after and subsequently arrested. Court documents reveal that Williams has a troubling history of traffic violations in Pinellas County, including speeding and careless driving, with multiple citations since 2017. The police are actively investigating the incident and are seeking the public's help in identifying the driver of the black SUV that was racing with Williams at the time of the accident. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about street racing and reckless driving in urban areas. The community mourns the loss of Koeppen, and the case has sparked discussions about road safety and enforcement of traffic laws.