A Miami-Dade Police officer's patrol took a grim turn into the back of another cop car — while the driver was allegedly soused, officials said. Officer Victor Montalvo smashed his unmarked car into a marked police cruiser while on duty at around 12:41 p.m. yesterday, according to the Miami-Dade Police Department.
The 20-year veteran was heading west on Southwest 72nd Street when his vehicle struck the policing cruiser, which was obstructing the inner lane to guard road workers, as per WSVN. Police disclosed that the crash, while not fatal, left both Montalvo and the other officer with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities later revealed Montalvo had been under the influence, leading to his immediate arrest on DUI charges. Montalvo is now in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center with a set bond at $2,000, as reported by NBC Miami.
"As the police Director, I am disheartened by the recent incident involving one of my officers who was arrested for driving under the influence, while on duty," Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels lamented in a statement obtained by WSVN. Her words echoed the betrayal felt by a department striving to maintain the utmost standards of conduct. She declared Montalvo was relieved of his duties, and the police will to closely work with the State Attorney's office throughout the legal process.
