MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — A driver is facing charges after Florida Highway Patrol troopers said he took off during a traffic stop, reached speeds of more than 90 mph and crashed into multiple vehicles before running from the scene Monday.
The driver was identified in an arrest report as 35-year-old Joel Espinosa.
According to the report, a trooper spotted Espinosa in a black Chevrolet Impala using the right shoulder to get around heavy traffic on Interstate 95 near Ives Dairy Road.
The report states that the trooper got behind the Impala and turned on his emergency lights and siren, but Espinosa took off.
FHP officials said Espinosa weaved in and out of the express lanes, hit several lane markers and continued driving on the shoulder because of the heavy traffic.
They said he then cut in front of a pickup truck and crashed into it. Instead of stopping, he kept going south on I-95, reaching speeds of more than 90 mph, according to the report.
The report states that Espinosa then tried to make a U-turn from southbound I-95 onto the northbound entrance ramp from U.S. 441. A white vehicle hit the Impala during the maneuver.
But troopers said Espinosa kept going and then drove the wrong way on the southbound entrance ramp before crashing head-on into another vehicle.
They said he then got out of the Impala and ran east, leading the trooper on a foot chase.
According to the report, Espinosa fell down an embankment but continued running along the U.S. 441 entrance ramp.
The report states that as the trooper caught up to him, he saw Espinosa reach toward his front waistband.
Authorities said the trooper ordered him to show his hands and get on the ground, but he didn’t comply.
They said the trooper then used a Taser, striking Espinosa in the abdomen and rib cage area.
Authorities said Espinosa was taken to a hospital, where he refused medical treatment, before being transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center for booking.
Jail records show he is facing one count each of fleeing or eluding while causing aggravated injury or death and driving with a suspended license, as well as two counts of leaving the scene of a crash with no serious injury.
As of Tuesday, he remained at TGK, where his bond was listed as “to be set.”
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