MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A man is facing a slew of charges after he crashed into a police vehicle on Tuesday. Now, officials are providing further details about the crime.
On Thursday morning, police officials held a news conference to release the traffic camera footage of the collision and to warn against driving under the influence.
“The driver of a black Dodge Charger ran a steady red traffic signal, causing the police vehicle to crash into the passenger side of the black Charger,” said Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt.
At 2:41 a.m. on Tuesday, Miami Gardens Police units responded to an emergency call at Northwest 167th Street and 27th Avenue from an officer trapped in a crashed vehicle.
The collision was so strong that it caused the cruiser to spin several times. The force of the impact forced the SUV up an embankment at the State Road 826 overpass at Northwest 27th Avenue.
Surveillance video captured the police vehicle heading south with the green light when all of a sudden, the Charger sped through the red light as it headed west and smashed into the SUV.
“My officer, who is a 4-year veteran and a field training officer, managed to get on the audio radio and stated he was trapped inside of his vehicle,” said Noel-Pratt. “As units began to arrive, they also observed the black Charger ignited while the driver and two passengers were still inside.”
The officer involved in the crash is reported to be in stable condition, although he suffered injuries to his shoulder and knee. Surgery may be required in the future.
A police officer rescued the driver, identified as Luis Andrew James, and the occupants from the burning vehicle.
Upon securing James in the police vehicle, the rescuing officer detected a strong odor of alcohol, slurred speech and unsteadiness.
The aftermath exposed a trunk that, police said, contained drug paraphernalia and various substances, including 162.9 grams of crack cocaine and 750 grams of marijuana.
Despite refusal, James was charged with DUI, serious bodily injury and drug trafficking.
When James refused a blood sample, he was arrested and transported to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade.
“We will not tolerate reckless disregard for traffic laws in this city under any circumstance,” said Noel-Pratt.
Bond for the charges, including cocaine trafficking and cannabis possession with intent, was set at $50,000 and $5,000.
While the driver of the Charger escaped injury, his two passengers were not as fortunate, with one in critical condition.
James bonded out on Wednesday and did not appear before a judge.
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