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Published on May 22, 2024
Florida Trooper Injured During 100 MPH Chase of Stolen BMW Through Two Counties, Suspects ChargedSource: Broward Sheriff's Office

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was left with minor injuries after a stolen BMW led cops on a wild chase across two counties early Tuesday morning, officials said. The trooper, identified as Ronald Melendez-Bonilla, was broadsided by the speeding car as he attempted to apprehend the suspects in a pursuit that rocketed past the 100 mph mark.

According to CBS News Miami, the incident kicked into gear near Kendall when the trooper located the stolen BMW traveling eastbound on SR 826. After refusing to stop for Melendez-Bonilla, the driver, identified as 18-year-old Tommie Allen, engaged in a frantic escape, eventually leading the pursuing trooper on a cross-county odyssey spilling into Broward County.

The ill-fated chase saw the BMW and FHP cruiser weaving in and out of traffic with the stolen vehicle even dipping into a McDonald's parking lot in an attempt to shake law enforcement. "The driver rammed his cruiser," said FHP Lt. Indiana Miranda, as reported by Local 10, which sent the trooper's car spinning into a sign on the property of an adjacent office building.

The chase, however, came to a sudden halt when the BMW suffered a mechanical breakdown and crashed into a Broward County bus stop—culminating in the vehicle's two occupants fleeing on foot. Allen, along with his companion, 20-year-old Tyler Tyrone Hollins, were both apprehended shortly after by Fort Lauderdale Police and the Broward Sheriff's Office, according to a statement obtained by NBC Miami. Both have been charged with grand theft, fleeing and eluding, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest without violence.

Melendez-Bonilla was transported to Holy Cross Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries before being sent home.

Miami-Crime & Emergencies