MIAMI – Prosecutors want to add charges against the 25-year-old man accused in a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 95.
Prosecutors want to charge Willie Dumel with driving with a suspended license and arson, they told a Miami-Dade Court Circuit judge on Wednesday. They also want to classify him as a habitual violent offender and have him held on no bond.
Dumel already faces several charges, including four counts of vehicular homicide, in connection with the April 3rd crash. He continues to use a wheelchair after breaking both of his legs in the crash.
Dumel is expected back in court Wednesday afternoon for another bond hearing.
The chase and the crash
According to the arrest affidavit, Opa-locka Police Corporal Sergio Perez observed a black Chevrolet Suburban make an improper right turn from the center lane at Northwest 22nd Avenue and S.R. 9. A recording of police communications during the pursuit indicates Perez recognized Dumel or the vehicle in connection with a robbery.
When Perez activated his emergency lights and sirens, Dumel drove away, according to the affidavit. Dumel entered the northbound ramp for I-95 at the Golden Glades Interchange, then exited westbound at Ives Dairy Road. He then entered the southbound exit ramp at Ives Dairy Road but was heading northbound.
"He was fleeing from the Opa-locka Police Department and was traveling in the opposite direction on I-95, where he collided with a car head-on," said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Sanchez.
The crash killed the four people inside the van, identified as: Dennis Ryan Rinon Ortiz, 33, of California; Albertson Anthony Almase, 31, of Fort Lauderdale; Kristina Almase, 26, of Fort Lauderdale; and, Lily Marie Azarcon, 26, of the Philippines.
Opa-locka police are investigating whether Perez pursued Dumel the wrong way on I-95 after he allegedly fled from the traffic stop.
According to the department's chase protocol: "Officers shall not operate their vehicle in a manner that causes them to go against the flow of traffic in an effort to maintain contact with the fleeing vehicle. Officers shall try to parallel the fleeing vehicle by going with the flow of traffic and keeping other units advised via radio."
Perez was put on administrative leave.
Dumel reportedly told detectives his name was Paolo Lafrance after the crash.
"It is believed that the defendant gave that name in an attempt to conceal his true identity," stated the arrest affidavit. "Defendant's license is suspended and defendant has a possible warrant for probation violation."