MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A suspect in a narcotics investigation fled from police Wednesday night, leading them on a chase and crashing into several vehicles, including a marked Miami-Dade police cruiser and it was caught on camera.
Detectives said the police chase began around 7:15 p.m. after they pulled over the suspect, identified as James Bradley Exposito, 39, who was driving a black Dodge Ram. As detectives approached the suspect’s vehicle, he tried to run them over and struck one of their vehicles as he sped away, authorities said.
Police said detectives then began chasing after Exposito, who rear-ended a white Nissan as he was approaching the intersection of Southwest 132nd Street and South Dixie Highway.
The Nissan then crashed into a black Tesla.
“The subject’s vehicle was re-directed, struck a marked MDPD vehicle, and rolled over before striking a light pole and tree,” Miami-Dade police said in a news release.
Local 10 News obtained cellphone video that showed the Dodge Ram rolling over and a tire was seen bouncing down South Dixie Highway.
A Local 10 News crew was at the scene as the suspect’s pickup truck was mangled and being towed away after it slammed into the pole.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel transported Exposito to Jackson South Medical Center and a woman who was driving the Nissan to Baptist Hospital. Both were in stable condition.
Police confirmed that paramedics treated both passengers of the Tesla at the scene -- a pregnant woman and a 2-year-old.
The man who was driving the Tesla and all of the officers/detectives involved in the chase were not injured, authorities said.
U.S. 1 was temporarily shut down in both directions for several hours around Southwest 132nd Street, but reopened around 11 p.m.
Detectives said after searching Exposito’s car following his arrest, investigators found a handgun, cocaine powder and marijuana in the vehicle.
After conducting a search in Exposito’s home, detectives said they found an AR-15, oxycodone, marijuana and cocaine.
Police said Exposito is facing a number of felony charges that are currently pending.
He is also facing previous charges after he was allegedly selling ecstasy and MDMA, also known as “Molly,” out of his home, authorities said.