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1 Of 2 Men Killed In Crash Was Wanted For Attempted Murder

News Channel 8 photo by RUGENE MOORE

Investigators say they found cocaine, marijuana and a gun inside the fleeing car.

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TBO.com

Published: March 12, 2009

Updated: 03/12/2009 12:30 pm

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Rowell Ferrie

TAMPA - Two Orlando men, one wanted on a warrant for attempted murder, died when their car crashed while trying to elude police Thursday, Tampa police said.

About 3:20 a.m., a police officer northbound on South MacDill Avenue saw a southbound 2006 Toyota Scion speed through a red light at Swann Avenue and made a U-turn to pull over the car, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said.

Another southbound motorist, thinking the officer was trying to pull her over, merged to the right lane, in front of the Scion, McElroy said.

To get around the other car, the Scion's driver headed left, sending the car out of control and into Naffco Carpet & Blinds, 1510 S. MacDill Ave.

Killed were the driver, Roderick S. Jackson, and front passenger, Ferrie L. Rowell, both 24.
Rowell was wanted for attempted murder in Orange County, McElroy said.

Orlando residents and rear passengers Jamar Green, 22, and Freddie Lee Thomas Jr., 15, were taken to Tampa General Hospital with serious injuries, McElroy said. They are listed in stable condition.

Police found "a significant amount" of cocaine and marijuana in the car, McElroy said.

The 15-year-old, who is Jackson's brother, was holding a .357 Magnum between his legs, she said.

Attempts to reach relatives of the men and the teenager were unsuccessful today.

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