15-year-old boy dies after being struck and dragged by minivan on his bicycle in Pembroke Pines

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. ā€“ A teenager riding a bicycle in Pembroke Pines was struck by a vehicle and killed, Monday afternoon.

Pembroke Pines Police said the driver of a minivan was getting ready to turn right out of the Westfork Plaza heading westbound onto Pines Boulevard when she hit the teen, who was riding his bicycle eastbound on the sidewalk.

A preliminary investigation revealed the minivan, which was being driven by 68-year-old Joan Ferris Berkowitz, struck the juvenile male as he was attempting to cross the plaza entrance just after 5:30 p.m.

The teenager was then dragged underneath the vehicle for approximately 30 yards before it came to a stop. Video of the scene shows the van stopped in the road on the 1500 block of Pines Boulevard.

The minivan then had to be lifted up by first responders in order for the teen to be removed.

He was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

According to police, the teenager was 15 years old.

There has been no word from police whether Berkowitz will be facing any charges. However, Local 10 News has learned she has hired a lawyer.


About the Authors:

David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.

Sanela Sabovic joined Local 10 News in September 2012 as an assignment editor and associate producer.Ā In August 2015, she became a full-time reporter and fill-in traffic reporter. Sanela holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a concentration in radio, television and film from DePaul University.