MIAMI – Keith Michel, a fugitive who lead police on a dangerous car chase, was booked at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Saturday, but was on a medical hold, police said.
Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue treated Michel after a police dog named Buster got to both of his forearms. Police caught Michel outside of El Conuquito Restaurant, 1099 NW 119th St., in North Miami, Friday afternoon. But not before he crashed into a fence, reversed into a police car and hurt Buster and his partner.
Buster and two police officers were injured in the televised pursuit. The police officers were identified on the arrest form as Officer J. Ruano and Sgt. Guas. Ruano was treated at the scene for injuries to his left knee. There was a Facebook update on Buster.
"We are happy to report that Buster is doing great," police said Saturday. "He only suffered minor injuries."
The chase ensued after a Miami police officer recognized Michel and the stolen red Mercury Grand Marquis. Lauderhill police said he stole it from his girlfriend after nearly killing her. When the officer ordered Michel to stop, he sped away from Miami to North Miami.
Police said several police officers fired their weapons when Michel nearly ran over Ruano. There were no injuries during the shooting at Northeast First Avenue and Eighth Street in downtown Miami, City of Miami Police Chief Rodolfo "Rudy" Llanes said.
Records show Michel is a "career criminal" with a record in Miami-Dade and Broward. He was wanted since Thursday for stabbing his girlfriend in Lauderhill and fleeing with her car, police said. She was hospitalized in critical condition, Lauderhill police said.
Michel is facing an attempted murder charge in Broward County and in Miami-Dade County he is facing two counts of battery on a police officer and one count of fleeing and eluding police.
Local 10 News Terrell Forney, Amanda Batchelor, Peter Burke and Derek Shore contributed to this story.