By Joanna Putman
Police1
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Newly released surveillance footage shows a cruiser spinning several times after being T-boned in an intersection by a DUI driver who ran a red light, NBC Miami reported.
Video shows a black Dodge Charger speeding through a red light and hitting a police cruiser. The officer was on patrol when the incident occurred, according to the report.
The cruiser spun at least three times, video shows. The officer was trapped inside the cruiser as flames erupted from the other vehicle.
The officer was airlifted to a hospital but was later released. He suffered a shoulder injury that may require surgery, according to the report.
A responding officer pulled the driver and passenger out of the flaming Charger. The driver, now identified as Luis Andrew James, was charged with DUI, possession of crack cocaine and cannabis.
“This unfortunate event underscores the severity and potential consequences of impaired driving. Red light signals are not suggestions; they are crucial devices that help prevent accidents and maintain order on our streets,” Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt said. “Disregarding these signals endangers violators and innocent bystanders like my officer who was on routine patrol at the time. I want to make it very clear that the Miami Gardens Police Department will not tolerate reckless disregard for traffic laws in this city under any circumstance.”