Police chase ends with crash

NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A hot pursuit ended with a smashing stop Thursday afternoon.

The driver sped through a neighborhood before police could catch up with him, and an innocent bystander's car would end up wrecked at the end of the chase.

On Wednesday, Miami-Dade Police noticed the driver of a black Mercedes-Benz sport utility vehicle driving recklessly. After trying to stop the car, it fled and eluded capture. Then, Thursday, at around 2 p.m., the same driver was noticed and once again sped away from police.

During a short pursuit this time, however, the driver clipped a Miami-Dade Schools Police Officer who was parked near Thomas Jefferson Middle School. The chase ended soon after when the Mercedes crashed into a white sedan. Police then arrested the driver and two passengers inside the SUV.

The innocent driver and passenger of the sedan were both OK, but their car was left inoperable.

Neighbors in the area were startled by the commotion. "I heard the crash from inside the house," said one resident, "and then, when I looked out the window, the guy stepped out, and the police showed up."

"I can't believe it," said another woman. "I'm afraid for my life because there's kids over here in the neighborhood."

Miami-Dade Police charged the driver with fleeing and eluding police and driving with a suspended license.

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