A Friday night police pursuit through Palm Beach County ended inside St. Mary’s Medical Center after deputies say a fleeing driver tried to ram a marked patrol vehicle, forcing the chase off the streets and into the hospital. The pursuit reached speeds well over the posted limits in residential areas, and hospital staff temporarily moved some patients and visitors to safer spots while law enforcement swept the building. Deputies ultimately took the driver into custody inside the facility, and officials reported no life-threatening injuries to patients or staff.
Arrest records reviewed by CBS12 identify the suspect as 22-year-old Diego Moran. According to court documents, Moran made an initial court appearance over the weekend and faces charges that include fleeing a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and driving without a valid driver’s license. The filings list additional hearings scheduled in the coming weeks as the case moves forward.
Deputies say the pursuit started around 9 p.m. Friday, when officers began following a Chrysler Pacifica for alleged reckless driving and the driver took off after spotting law enforcement. WPBF reports the suspect allegedly tried to hit a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office vehicle during the escape, forcing a deputy into oncoming traffic as the chase cut through city streets. As speeds climbed past 90 mph in areas posted at 40 mph, investigators called in the Florida Highway Patrol for backup.
The chase wrapped up at St. Mary’s Medical Center, where officers followed the suspect on foot into a stairwell and briefly lost sight of him, CBS12 reports. Hospital leaders placed sections of the building on lockdown while deputies searched multiple floors. According to the arrest report, Moran was found and arrested inside the hospital at about 9:40 p.m. Authorities say the scene was secured and normal operations resumed once the search ended.
Legal status
Court records show Moran faces both fleeing and assault-related counts tied to the pursuit and the alleged attempt to strike a deputy with the vehicle. Under Florida law, an aggravated assault committed “with a deadly weapon without intent to kill” is defined under state statute and classified as a third-degree felony, which can carry prison time and fines depending on sentencing guidelines and any enhancements (Fla. Stat. §784.021). Moran’s case remains active as the courts weigh the charges and address any pretrial motions.
Why it matters
High-speed pursuits in South Florida have repeatedly ended in crashes or worse in recent weeks, putting renewed focus on how and when officers decide to keep chasing. A separate multi-agency pursuit on May 24 in Martin County ended in a deadly crash and led local sheriffs to publicly defend their decisions while investigators review what happened, according to WPTV. Agencies continue to balance the risk high-speed chases pose to bystanders against the need to apprehend suspects in real time.
Moran remains in custody as the case proceeds through the Palm Beach County court system and prosecutors prepare formal filings. Hoodline will continue to track court records and official statements from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for any updates, new court dates, or additional charges.
