NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A driver of a stolen vehicle has been arrested after an overnight crash left another driver dead in Northwest Miami-Dade.
The crash happened around 11:46 p.m., Monday, at the intersection of Northwest 103rd Street and 22nd Avenue.
According to police, 19-year-old Lanard Gilbert was driving a stolen Acura southbound on Northwest 22nd Avenue when he sped through a red light and slammed into a car traveling westbound on 103rd Street.
The impact flipped the victim’s vehicle into a nearby business, called Gitmo American Transmissions, and then the vehicle caught fire.
The victim was not able to exit the vehicle and died inside of the vehicle. Officials have not yet identified the victim.
The business owner’s son told 7News a customer’s car was parked outside the very same spot the crash would end. The business sustained damage due to the fire.
“Anybody who could see it knew immediately,” said witness King Smith. “There’s no way anybody could’ve survived that.”
“It was in flames,” said Reynaldo Gonzalez who heard the crash. “It was exploding, ‘Boom! Boom!'”
Gilbert was found unconscious after the crash and in the possession of a stolen firearm. Police said the Acura was stolen out of Pembroke Pines.
He was then taken into custody and charged with vehicular homicide in a reckless manner, driving with the knowledge of having a suspended license and possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
A witness who lives nearby heard the impact and shot cell phone video of the flames. “It sounded like a bomb,” said another witness.
7Skyforce HD flew over the scene, Tuesday morning, where a downed light pole could be seen, as well as police placing down evidence markers to track skid marks on the road.
Investigators have re-opened 103rd Street in all directions at Northwest 22nd Avenue after being shutdown.
If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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