High-Speed Chase Ends in Rollover Near Florida International University
On a Thursday night in West Miami-Dade, Florida, a high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle came to a dramatic end near Florida International University (FIU), sparking investigations by multiple law enforcement agencies.
Police Pursuit and Collision
The incident unfolded around 9:30 p.m. at the intersection of Southwest Eighth Street and 109th Avenue, where officers began pursuing a suspect at a high rate of speed. The chase originated when a trooper traveling north on State Highway 821 (Florida Turnpike) observed a black pickup truck speeding, matching the description of a stolen vehicle.
As the suspect’s vehicle accelerated, officers followed and awaited backup. Despite the officer activating emergency lights and sirens, the suspect continued to flee at a high speed. When the vehicle neared FIU, it collided with a westbound vehicle, causing the suspect’s vehicle to overturn and land on its roof on a nearby bridge.
Arrest and Charges
Following the rollover, law enforcement officers from various agencies, including the Sweetwater Police Department, FIU Police Department, and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), converged on the scene. Video footage captured the chaotic aftermath, with several damaged vehicles, an overturned SUV, and suspects being taken into custody. The intersection remained closed off as investigators processed the area.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Eduardo Jesus Pastrana, attempted to flee the scene through the driver’s side of the overturned vehicle. During the arrest, Pastrana resisted and engaged in physical conflicts with the police, resulting in multiple officers having to subdue and handcuff him.
Legal Proceedings and Continued Investigation
Pastrana now faces multiple charges, including vehicle theft, fleeing from police with lights and sirens, and resisting arrest with violence. He has been detained with bail set at $2,500 for the charges, with additional bail pending for the vehicle theft offense. Miami-Dade County detectives have taken over the investigation due to Pastrana’s involvement in other stolen vehicle cases.
Pastrana is scheduled to appear before a judge on Thursday morning. For further updates on this ongoing story, stay tuned to WSVN.com and 7News.
