So. Fla. family injured in police pursuit

LOS ANGELES (WSVN) -- A South Florida family is doing fine after being struck by a suspected drunk driver while on vacation in California.

Bryant Valencia, his wife and 3-year-old son were on vacation in California. The Valencias, who are from Miami, were headed to dinner Friday night, when a suspected drunk driver trying to evade authorities slammed into their sport utility vehicle.

The impact of the crash flipped over the family's SUV. "I kinda swerved away a little, so he got my back and then it flipped over," said Valencia. "Looking at my baby hanging from the seat belt because we were upside down. It was an eye-opener."

Police were trying to stop the driver for DUI, but the driver led authorities on a chase, which went on for more than an hour. He drove at speeds of over 120 miles an hour, and at one point during the chase slammed into a divider wall in an effort to escape authorities.

The driver's crash into the Valencias' SUV, however, brought the high-speed chase to an end. "It's the type of stuff you see on TV in Miami. You never think it would happen to you," Valencia said.

Valencia's wife and son were taken to the hospital to be checked out. Amazingly, the family is OK.

While in handcuffs, the 24-year-old driver spoke with reporters at the scene. "Why did you lead them on a chase?" a reporter asked the driver.

"I just want to make history," he replied.

Reporter: "You want to make history. Why didn't you stop?"

Driver: "Why stop?"

Reporter: "You hurt a lot of people."

Driver: "How many?"

Reporter: "You hurt a man and his child."

Driver: "Tell him I apologize. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. I would never disrespect someone's child."

The driver is facing a slew of felony charges.

The Valencias returned to South Florida Sunday morning.

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