MIAMI —A Miami Beach police officer is recovering after being struck by a motorcyclist who authorities say intentionally accelerated toward him during a traffic stop, NBC6 reported.
The incident occurred May 5 while the officer was managing traffic.
The motorcyclist, a Brazilian fitness influencer, initially stopped but then sped directly at the officer, knocking him to the ground before fleeing the scene. The officer suffered fractured ribs and multiple abrasions and was transported to a hospital.
While en route, the rescue vehicle passed another crash scene involving the same motorcycle. The suspect had crashed on a causeway, seriously injuring his passenger, identified as his longtime girlfriend.
She later told investigators they were rushing to teach a fitness class and that he fled because he lacked a valid driver’s license, according to the report. She estimated they were traveling between 80 and 100 mph when the crash occurred. The suspect has been arrested and faces charges including battery on a law enforcement officer and leaving the scene of a crash causing serious bodily injury.
