An overnight collision between a Hollywood Police cruiser and an orange BMW early Wednesday sent an officer to the hospital and shut down a stretch of North Ocean Drive beneath the Hollywood Boulevard ramp for hours, according to officials. Debris littered the roadway, forcing detours while emergency crews and investigators worked the scene.
The officer was transported to a nearby hospital after the crash, authorities said.
As reported by WSVN, 7News cameras captured both vehicles with airbags deployed and heavy damage to the cruiser and the BMW. Police dispatch told the station the crash happened around 12:30 a.m. under the Hollywood Boulevard ramp and that officers believe two cars were racing when the orange BMW slammed into the police SUV.
Dispatch said the officer was "conscious and breathing" while being taken to an area hospital. According to WSVN, the driver of the BMW ditched the wrecked car and ran from the scene on foot. It was not immediately clear whether that motorist had been located or arrested.
Investigation And Road Reopening
Investigators combed through debris along North Ocean Drive after both vehicles were towed from the scene just after 6 a.m., collecting evidence and clearing hazards. The city reopened the roadway only after crews finished removing wreckage, and drivers were urged to stick to alternate routes while police wrapped up their work.
Legal Note: Fleeing The Scene
Florida law requires anyone involved in a crash that results in injury to stop, provide identifying information and offer reasonable aid. Leaving the scene can land a driver in serious legal trouble. Per the Florida Senate, leaving the scene of a crash that causes injury may be charged as a felony, and drivers must comply with the duty-to-give-information rules in state law.
Police have not released additional details about the investigation or whether the BMW driver was taken into custody. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the Hollywood Police Department at 954-967-4636 or the non-emergency line at 954-764-HELP, or to submit tips anonymously to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477.
