SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - An off-duty City of Miami Police officer was killed after, authorities said, he crashed into a home in Southwest Miami-Dade, Saturday night.
According to investigators, Miami Police Officer Rene Banegas was driving his personal 2001 Volkswagen Jetta at a high rate of speed near Southwest 34th Street and 87th Avenue. Police said he lost control of the car, hit a tree and then crashed into the residence.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced Banegas dead. He was 27 years old.
The house was slightly damaged. No one inside was hurt.
Speaking on the phone with 7News, Banegas’ father said his son had studied criminology at Florida International University before going to the police academy. He was born in New Jersey and is survived by his parents, brother and sister in New Jersey, a brother in Honduras and his girlfriend.
Miami-Dade Police is investigating the accident.
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