News Summary
A man in St. Petersburg has been arrested for DUI manslaughter following a head-on crash that resulted in the death of an 89-year-old woman. The incident occurred during the evening rush hour, leaving the victim with severe injuries that led to her demise at a local hospital. The suspect, Brett McClelland, was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and has a prior DUI arrest dating back to 2021. Local authorities are continuing their investigation into the tragic event.
St. Petersburg, Florida – A St. Petersburg man has been arrested for DUI manslaughter following a fatal head-on crash that occurred on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, around 6:30 p.m. The accident has drawn attention from local authorities as it involved serious injuries and a tragic loss of life.
Brett McClelland, 41, was driving a white Subaru Outback westbound in the 7800 block of 38th Avenue North when he swerved into oncoming traffic, resulting in a collision with a black Toyota sedan heading eastbound. The impact from the crash was severe, leaving the driver of the Toyota with serious injuries that required emergency medical attention, leading to their transport to a local trauma center.
Among the occupants of the Toyota was 89-year-old Angel Shihate, who was later pronounced dead at the hospital due to the injuries sustained in the crash. McClelland also suffered injuries from the accident and received treatment.
According to investigators, McClelland was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Following this determination, he faced multiple charges, including DUI manslaughter and DUI causing serious bodily injury. McClelland was booked into the Pinellas County Jail early Thursday morning, although a booking photo has not yet been released.
This incident is not McClelland’s first brush with the law concerning driving under the influence. He was previously arrested for a DUI in Clearwater in 2021, raising concerns about his driving behavior and decisions.
The St. Petersburg Police Department is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. Community members have expressed their sorrow over the accident and the loss of life it caused, especially given the age of the victim.
Such incidents underscore the ongoing concerns regarding impaired driving within the state. DUI offenses remain a significant issue in Florida, prompting local authorities to conduct awareness campaigns and implement strict law enforcement measures to reduce the prevalence of drunk driving and enhance road safety for all residents.
In response to the rising number of DUI-related incidents, law enforcement agencies encourage residents to prioritize safety and designate sober drivers when consuming alcohol. The tragic events that occurred on September 24 highlight the severe consequences that can arise from impaired driving and the importance of accountability on the roads.
As the investigation continues, the St. Petersburg community remains hopeful for justice for Angel Shihate and her family during this difficult time.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Fox 13 News
- Iontb
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DUI
- Hoodline
- Google Search: DUI manslaughter Florida
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
