2 injured after purse-snatching; police search for robber

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Two people are recovering at the hospital after a purse-snatching incident led one of them on a crash course. Officials said the robber is still on the loose.

City of Miami Police Detectives are investigating what started as a smash-and-grab and ended in a firey, near-fatal accident.

According to officials, around noon Friday, three men broke the window of a white BMW in the area of Northwest 18th Avenue and 28th Street and grabbed a purse inside.

The owner of the vehicle, 28-year-old Wendy Echezabo, along with her little terrier, chased the men to get the purse back. "She had a lot of jewelry like watches and credit cards," said Ariel Alvarado, the victim's boyfriend.

Echezabo slowed down enough to capture a sergeant's attention from the Miami-Dade School Board Police Department to request assistance. "She attempted to flag down several officers in the area of Interstate 595 and Northwest 62nd Street. She motions to these officers for them to follow her," said Detective William Moreno of the Miami Police Department.

Officials said they could barely keep up with her BMW. At the intersection of Miami Avenue and 62nd Street, she collided with a silver Honda Accord with a female inside. "Go around to the light pole behind us and another vehicle inside this yard," said Moreno.

Echezabo's vehicle burst into flames, but officials pulled both drivers and the dog to safety. "We always say when it's a property crime, give your belongings. It's not worth it. You might injure yourself, you might injure others," said Moreno.

The burglars were apparently driving a Chevy Malibu that was found blocks later, near the scene of the accident, with a purse inside.

Both women are listed in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

If you have any information on this theft, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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