Suspect critically injured after fiery crash with Miami-Dade deputy cruiser during pursuit, MDSO says
A suspect was critically injured after a fiery crash involving a Miami-Dade deputy's patrol cruiser following a short police pursuit early Wednesday morning, officials said.
During a press conference, Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office spokesperson Angel Rodriguez said that at about 2:30 a.m., deputies were in pursuit of a suspect as he was traveling southbound on 87th Avenue. The driver then slammed their vehicle into a deputy's patrol cruiser.
"The suspect side swiped and rear ended the deputy, so basically the deputy was struck several times by the same suspect at least three times," said Rodriguez.
After striking the cruiser, the suspect lost control of their car and crashed into a tree, bursting into flames, authorities said.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene, extinguished the fire and transported the driver to a hospital in critical condition. The driver's name hasn't been released at this time.
The deputy is expected to be OK. He did not suffer any major injuries.
Witness captures cellphone video of crash
A man who lives near the scene said he heard the crash before going to bed.
"I just got in bed, and I hear police sirens and loud crash, and typically, I hear police sirens impact," Max Menendez told CBS News Miami. "I realize something happened this time, never seen something like this before."
Menendez said he went back inside his home for a brief moment and returned to see a plume of black smoke.
"You can see the embers, pretty disturbing," Menendez said. "I hear a cry, some guy wailing, very disturbing."
Due to the scene, SW 87th Avenue is closed from SW 48th to 52nd Street for several hours, authorities said.
The incident is under investigation.