Miami-Dade police officer injured in crash

Officer, another person taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A Miami-Dade police officer was injured in a crash Tuesday morning in northwest Miami-Dade County.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said an officer was involved in a crash at Northwest 87th Street and Northwest 18th Avenue.

Detective Jennifer Capote said the rookie officer, who was driving a Ford Crown Victoria, contacted dispatch about a car that was refusing to stop.

"I just saw the car coming fast toward me, so I actually had to get over, because he was running stop signs and he was kind of swerving, so I was really concerned for my safety," Gigi Jolly, who lives in the area, said.

Capote said another car, a Chevrolet Malibu, was stopped at the intersection when it was struck by the officer's cruiser.

"Two guys from the garbage truck went and picked the police officer up out his vehicle and brought him to safety. I'm just grateful that he's still alive," witness Eric Readon said.

The officer and the driver of the other car, identified as Norbel Vargas, 30, were taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital. They were listed in serious but stable condition.

The officer has not been identified.


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.