Terence Eugene Powell Jr., a 27-year-old man from Miami Gardens, made his first court appearance after being charged with deliberately striking a Lauderhill police officer and a female pedestrian with his vehicle. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening along the 2300 block of University Drive in Sunrise, leaving both victims hospitalized and Powell arrested miles away, according to Local 10.
Powell's vehicle, a blue Nissan Rogue, struck the rear of the officer's cruiser twice, as reported by NBC Miami. As the officer and a civilian witness stepped out of their vehicles, Powell proceeded to drive into them, sending them airborne before landing in an adjacent parking lot. The officer sustained serious injuries, including broken bones.
Rod Skirvin, president of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, spoke about the severity of the officer's injuries and called for prayers for his recovery. The Lauderhill Police Department has not released the identities of the officer or the female pedestrian.
Dashcam footage, captured by a nearby Tesla, provided evidence of the violent incident, showing Powell's vehicle hitting the victims and returning to strike the downed officer. Powell was arrested on charges of attempted murder, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, and aggravated battery. His next court appearance is scheduled for today, where Powell indicated he plans to be represented by a private attorney. The officer remains in stable condition but faces a long recovery, along with the pedestrian, who also sustained injuries.
