MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A man who was involved in a multi-vehicle crash, including a Miami-Dade police cruiser, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence after he told Local 10 News that his car's brakes malfunctioned before the impact.
David Merini, 33, was driving a Chevrolet Malibu involved in the crash at Southwest Eighth Street and Southwest 32nd Avenue.
"I was really scared," Merini told Local 10. "I hit the car and the car flipped over, and I don't even know if it rolled over. Did it? I don't remember. I just jumped out."
Merini said something was wrong with his car.
"I couldn't stop, because the brakes wouldn't work," Merini said.
Police said Merini's car struck five other vehicles, including a police cruiser.
Surveillance video from a nearby restaurant shows Merini sitting down inside after the crash.
The driver of a Honda Element and an off-duty police officer were taken to a hospital. Police said the officer injured his hand and wrist.
"I can't believe I'm still here," Merini said.
Merini was later arrested and booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.