Police identify suspect accused of stealing police car before dying in crash

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade police identified a suspect Tuesday who was accused of stealing a Miami-Dade police cruiser before crashing into two vehicles.

Police said Vincent Foreman, 28, died Saturday afternoon in the crash at Southwest 24th Street and Southwest 99th Avenue.

Authorities said the officer was called to the Natural Chicken Grill restaurant at Southwest 16th Street and Southwest 107th Avenue about a suspicious briefcase left behind by two customers.

While the officer was inside the restaurant, Foreman took off in the officer's Ford Crown Victoria, police said.

Authorities said Foreman sideswiped a 2012 Honda Civic before he lost control and crashed into a 2016 Chevrolet Suburban that was being driven by Atlanta Braves second baseman Sean Rodriguez, 31.

Rodriguez's wife, Giselle Rodriguez, 29, and their two sons, ages 8 and 2, were taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center in serious but stable condition.

Giselle posted on Twitter Monday, thanking people for their love and support.

"I'm in the hospital with a broken femur and tibia. I'm going into surgery for my wrist tomorrow. We are so grateful to be alive," she said. "And so thankful for your prayers, calls and flowers!"

Sean Rodriguez wasn't injured in the crash. Foreman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Records show that Foreman had been released from jail a day before the crash. He was sentenced last year to 180 days in jail for resisting arrest and two counts of petit theft, with more than two prior convictions.

He was scheduled to be released from jail on May 10, but was released early.

The officer involved in the incident has not been identified. It's unclear whether the officer will be disciplined, however authorities said the case is still open.

According to Miami-Dade Police Department policy, officers are required to remove the key from the ignition and lock the doors when they are not operating the vehicle.

The policy states that a vehicle "shall not be left unattended with the key in the ignition unless the anti-theft device is activated and there is an operational necessity for doing so," like for a K-9 unit.

Authorities did not disclose whether the officer left the key in the ignition or how Foreman was able to drive away in the car.