An incident unfolding on I-95 northbound on Friday afternoon led to significant traffic congestion following a pursuit by Broward Sheriff's deputies. The officers were attempting to apprehend two suspects wanted for an alleged armed kidnapping in Fort Lauderdale, as detailed in a report by WPTV News Channel 5. The chase led to the temporary closure of lanes and caused substantial delays for commuters.
The Broward Sheriff's Office relayed that the events triggered around 2:35 p.m. when the suspects, sought on a warrant, were spotted in Deerfield Beach. An attempt to execute a traffic stop near the 200 block of West Hillsboro Boulevard escalated when the suspects reportedly collided with a sheriff's vehicle and fled northbound on the interstate. As the chase unfolded, multiple other vehicles were struck causing additional complications on the highway, according to Lt. Indiana Miranda of the Florida Highway Patrol.
The situation intensified near the Woolbright Road exit after a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver was carried out by deputies, effectively halting the suspect's vehicle. CBS12 reported that following the PIT maneuver, the individuals attempted to flee on foot but were swiftly taken into custody.
The aftermath of the incident left lanes blocked for over an hour during rush hour, with the backup stretching from SR-806/Atlantic Avenue to the Clint Moore Road overpass. Though the incident came to a close with the suspects' apprehension, the delay continued to impact drivers into the evening. The Broward Sheriff's Office confirmed the retrieval of two firearms from the suspect's vehicle and clarified that no injuries were sustained in the ordeal. Local law enforcement, including the Delray Beach Police Department and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, also provided assistance during the incident, which remained under investigation.
All lanes were eventually reopened, easing the congestion and restoring the flow of traffic on one of South Florida's primary thoroughfares. Additional details on this developing story and the identities of the suspects have yet to be released as officials continue their investigation.
