A tense incident unfolded when a Miami-Dade police officer opened fire after being struck by a vehicle he was attempting to stop.
Recently released body cam footage has provided a clear view of a harrowing encounter between a Miami-Dade police officer and a suspect’s vehicle. This incident occurred in December 2023 when an officer from the robbery intervention unit was pursuing a white Dodge Challenger, believed to be involved in criminal activity.
As the car chase reached Northwest 63rd Street and 21st Avenue, the vehicle collided with the officer. The video, made public by the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, starkly illustrates the moment when the officer found himself pinned between his patrol car and the suspect’s vehicle. Faced with immediate danger, the officer discharged his weapon multiple times, as recorded by both his body camera and a nearby surveillance system.
Following the gunfire, law enforcement apprehended the driver, identified as 38-year-old Virgil French. French faces charges of attempted second-degree murder in addition to the discovery of a stolen firearm inside the vehicle.
The passenger, Charlie Harris, was also taken into custody due to an outstanding warrant for child abuse. The release of this footage has highlighted the dangers faced by officers in the line of duty and underscores the unpredictable nature of their work.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers encounter daily. The footage not only sheds light on a specific event but also raises awareness about the quick decisions police must make in life-threatening situations, emphasizing the complex nature of maintaining public safety.
Source: Local10
