MIAMI (WSVN) - A Miami-Dade Police officer has died after he was involved in an all-terrain vehicle crash in Southwest Miami-Dade.
According to officials, Miami-Dade Police Officer Jermaine Brown crashed into a tree along a canal near U.S. 1 and Southwest 211th Street, Wednesday afternoon.
Today, @MiamiDadePD lost one of our own LEO as a result of an ATV crash. I want to thank all law enforcement, community, elected officials, media, & @MiamiDadeFire for the support and prayers. The family thanks you as well. When tragedy strikes we are comforted by your support.
— Juan Perez (@JPerezMia) December 13, 2018
Brown was taken to Jackson South Medical Center, where he died from head injuries.
“Unfortunately, today we’re here to talk about a tragedy that occurred in our department to one of the officers that protect the community,” a tearful MDPD Director Juan Perez said at a news conference.
Police cruisers blocked every intersection along the way to ensure a speedy transport.
Officers were seen holding a yellow tarp to cover Brown as he was taken inside the hospital.
Dozens of officers gathered outside of the hospital’s entrance after learning of his passing.
Back at the scene, 7Skyforce HD hovered overhead where an ATV could be seen with handlebar and frame damage.
“Earlier today, one of our officers was operating an ATV vehicle,” Perez said. “We were handling some complaints that were received in one of the Citizen Advisory Committee meetings, dealing with some illegal activities along the canal bank. Nuisance type of activities, as well as some thefts.”
As Brown was attempting an enforcement action that involved moving to a different location, he crashed his ATV into a tree.
Nearby officers rushed to his aid and administered CPR as they awaited rescue crews.
“He had an unfortunate accident that is currently under investigation, so it will reveal what actually occurred,” Perez said.
The Busway along Southwest 211th Street was closed as police continued their investigation.
“Obviously our officers are shaken up,” Perez said as other officers could be seen holding back tears. “We lost one of our own.”
Meanwhile, police departments across South Florida took to Twitter to offer their condolences.
Our hearts go out to @MiamiDadePD over the sudden & tragic passing of one of their officers. Their family will be in our thoughts. 🖤💙🖤 https://t.co/dRNhCyGeJ2
— Pembroke Pines PD (@PPinesPD) December 13, 2018
Today, the @MiamiDadePD lost a brother to a fatal ATV accident. Our deepest condolences goes towards the Officer’s family, friends, and fellow officers. Rest well our brother… 09-06
— El Portal Police Department (@ElPortalPD) December 13, 2018
On behalf of Chief of Police William Hernandez and the City of North Miami Beach Police Department, we express our deepest condolences to the Miami-Dade Police Department for the loss of their hero. Our prayers are with the family, and MDPD #263 pic.twitter.com/flNZKYxRWd
— North Miami Beach PD (@myNMBPolice) December 13, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire MDPD family on behalf of MBPD and the @MiamiBeachFOP. ⚫️🔵⚫️ https://t.co/NfqlXAScQa
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) December 13, 2018
“We stand united with the family, with the children of the officer,” Perez said. “He is a married individual, devoted husband and father. Our family behind me and the rest of us, we all stand united and will try to provide as much support moving forward for the family.”
Brown was a father of three and a 15-year veteran with the department.
Perez expressed appreciation for the media for its coverage of the crash because “that means we made a connection.”
“We’re part of the family, the community family. We thank you for the support,” he added.
Doctors and first responders also received praise from the director.
“What I did leave out was the gratitude that I have for the fire rescue personnel that responded out there, for Chief Downey and his staff for trying so hard,” Perez said, “for the doctor and his staff at Jackson South for trying their best.”
A police procession shut down traffic on the northbound Florida Turnpike and eastbound lanes of the Dolphin Expressway as the Brown’s body was transported to the medical examiner’s office.
Dozens of officers and firefighters from different agencies saluted as the body arrived. An American flag was also draped from a fire truck.
“When something like this happens, we do have a lot of pain and a lot of hurt, but we also persevere really, really well,” said Perez. “We’ll dust ourselves off eventually. We’re down on a bended knee, but we’ll stand up again for the officer, for his family.”
MDPD said they will provide assistance to Brown’s family.
Perez issued a statement, confirming Brown’s identity. The statement reads:
“”It is with a heavy heart that I can now confirm the tragic death of Miami-Dade Police Department Officer Jermaine Brown. Assigned to our South District, Officer Brown was fatally injured while conducting an enforcement detail near a canal bank. Officer Brown lost his life while protecting our community, as he responded to assist fellow officers. We ask that our Miami-Dade community keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate through this tragic and sudden loss.”
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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