FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Dashcam video shows a driver crashing into an officer’s cruiser, and troopers said he did it on purpose.
The crash happened Wednesday morning, when the trooper was parked along Interstate 95. The trooper was working off duty at a construction site when, they said, a man drove right through the barricades on purpose.
Video shows the damage happening. Moments after the impact, a trooper is seen walking up to the driver’s door.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, 25-year-old Tate Turner admitted he intentionally hit the patrol car because he wanted to go to jail.
Authorities do not believe that he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Unfortunately, judge, my understanding is his father, who he was extremely close to, passed away, and he’s been having a hard time dealing with his death. I don’t even know if he even knew there was an officer in the car. This is just his way of getting help,” said the defense attorney during court.
Turner appeared in court Thursday. A judge found probable cause for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
“My concern is what if he wants to go to jail again tomorrow or the next day and decides to commit an act of violence to get there?” said a prosecutor during court.
Turner bonded out of jail Thursday evening.
The trooper suffered minor injuries and is expected to be OK.
“It’s a surprise because you don’t expect for a violator or anybody to tell you, ‘I intentionally wanted to hurt you,’ or collide with your car,” said FHP Lt. Indiana Miranda.
The judge ordered a mental health screening for Turner.
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