LAUDERHILL, FLA. (WSVN) - Authorities have taken a driver into custody and are searching for the two passengers who bailed out from a car and fled into an apartment complex in Lauderhill following a high-speed chase that began in Northwest Miami-Dade.
7SkyForce HD hovered above a white Honda Civic as an FHP trooper sped closer and closer just past the county line, as both vehicles entered Miramar from the Turnpike Extension, Thursday, at around 4:50 p.m.
A closer look at the Civic showed damage to the front panel.
Investigators said the pursuit started when Miami-Dade Police officers spotted the Civic, which had been reported stolen out of Palm Beach County and flagged as a felony vehicle linked to other property crimes.
Officers attempted to stop the Civic in the area of Bird Road, and the driver sped off.
The Civic and the FHP cruiser continued to head north on the Turnpike. Speeds exceeded 100 mph during the roughly 30-minute pursuit.
7News has learned the driver of the Honda may be wanted in connection to a felony.
Once the pursuit entered Lauderhill, the driver of the Civic exited at Sunrise Boulevard, as a second FHP trooper joined in and a Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter flew above them.
Shortly after, the driver of the Honda began going against traffic.
Moments later, the Honda pulled into the Lauderhill Point Apartments at 3100 NW 19th St., and three people were seen leaping out of the vehicle and taking off in different directions into the complex.
Lauderhill Police officers temporarily shut down the intersection of Northwest 19th Street and 31st Avenue, but as of 5:30 p.m., traffic has begun to flow freely again. Police appeared to be concentrating much of their efforts on the northwest corner of the intersection.
Police later towed away the Civic, which had at least one shredded tire, as families watched from second-floor landings and children played nearby.
Shirley Johnson, who was visiting the apartment complex, expressed her concern about the unfolding scene.
“Got grandchildren around here. What can you say? Nothing, just pray and God protect, that’s all,” said Johnson.
BSO deputies responded to the complex and used several K-9 units in their search.
Just before 5:20 p.m., the man who was driving the Honda, later identified by FHP as 19-year-old Channing Howard, was seen in handcuffs, as multiple agencies continue their search for the two other occupants.
No injuries have been reported.
Howard will be transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade for booking.
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