Driver of stolen police car dies in explosive Coral Way crash

2 children, woman injured in fatal crash

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – The driver of a stolen police car died Saturday in an explosive crash that left two children and a woman injured on Coral Way.

Miami-Dade police Detective Daniel Ferrin said the driver stole the police car from an officer at Southwest 16th Street and Southwest 107th Avenue. 

"This officer was conducting her investigation and speaking to people in the area," Ferrin said. "That's when this individual had jumped in the car and had fled from the scene."

About 1:45 p.m., the driver of the marked 2008 Ford Crown Victoria was traveling eastbound on Coral Way when he lost control. The police cruiser ended up on the westbound lanes of Coral Way at Southwest 99th Avenue near Tamiami Park.

The police vehicle sideswiped a 2012 maroon Honda Civic and collided with the driver of black 2016 Chevrolet Suburban. Witnesses said there was an explosion and a fire.

Police identified the victims in the Suburban as a 29-year-old woman and her two children, ages 8 and 2. 

The children were taken to Nicklaus Children's Hospital and their mother was taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center. They were listed in serious but stable condition.


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The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.