MIAMI (WSVN) - A hit-and-run suspect who sent a Miami Police officer to the hospital was taken into police custody.
Miami Police and Miami Fire Rescue arrived at the scene in the area of Northwest First Court and 13th Street, Monday afternoon.
The suspect has been identified as 49-year-old Andrewin Wardell.
7Skyforce hovered over the scene where two vehicles were damaged in the crash.
According to Miami Police, Officer Marvalyn Lee Chin was working a detail in Overtown when she was advised of altercation that happened on Northwest Second Avenue and 12th Street
One witness told 7News that his car was involved in the incident but he wasn’t behind the wheel.
Benjamin, who owns a red Nissan, said he went out to check on his vehicle when he saw the havoc on the streets.
“At first, I was laying in my house watching TV and someone came and told me, ‘Somebody is under you car, somebody is under you car,'” he said.
According to police, Lee Chin then arrived at the scene and saw Wardell behind the wheel of Benjamin’s car. She stepped out of her vehicle in full uniform when, police said, Wardell chose to hit her.
“The offender, driving a vehicle, accelerated, stuck the officer, pinned her against the vehicle,”said Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales.
Once she was hit, the suspect took off running.
It did not take police too long to find and cuff Wardell. He turned westbound on 12th Street where officers were already responding in emergency mode.
Police said when they detained Wardell he attacked a second officer.
Lee Chin, who has been on the police force for 19 years, was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in serious condition.
Several officers gathered at the hospital where Lee Chin was being treated.
“I ask the public to please keep the Lee Chin family in their thoughts and prayers,” Morales said.
Another witness said Wardell was driving erratically and hit other cars in the area.
“She was just screaming, ‘Help, Jesus,’ calling for Jesus, screaming help,” Erica Nelson said. “I mean, it was very horrifying to watch. To see somebody get hit by a car due to stupidity.”
The entire area was shut down Monday as police investigated the incident. It has since been reopened.
“This just kind of highlights the risk that the brave men and women take each and every day as they go out there to make Miami the safest community in the nation,” Morales said.
Wardell is facing charges of robbery carjacking, attempted felony murder, battery on law enforcement, leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injuries, fleeing and eluding police and leaving the scene of a crash.
Police said they obtained surveillance video, which captured the incident, and are planning to update the public on Tuesday.
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