In Miami-Dade, a traffic stop led to a deadly crash when a wanted man attempted to escape from deputies, causing another driver’s death on Wednesday night. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded at approximately 7:42 p.m.
Deputies stopped a 21-year-old driver, Luis Manuel Perez, at Northwest 51st Terrace and 33rd Avenue. During the stop, deputies discovered Perez had an outstanding warrant. He chose to flee the scene.
As deputies pursued Perez, he drove into a dead-end street. In his haste to escape, he ran a stop sign and collided with another vehicle, resulting in the car’s rollover.
The collision triggered a chain reaction, sending the involved vehicles into an unmarked sheriff’s office vehicle, which contained a deputy actively searching for Perez.
The civilian driver involved was in critical condition and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Ryder Trauma Center. Sadly, the driver succumbed to the injuries at the hospital. The victim’s name has not been released.
Perez was apprehended at Northwest 53rd Street and 33rd Avenue. His arrest affidavit notes a military hold on him, and he was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
The sheriff’s office’s Traffic Homicide unit is conducting a thorough investigation into the crash. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Reporter Milena Malaver covers crime and breaking news for the Miami Herald. Born and raised in Miami-Dade, she is an alumna of Florida International University and joined the Herald post-graduation.