PINECREST, Fla. — A Pinecrest police officer is recovering in the hospital after a scary brush with danger.
Callers alerted police to a situation around 9 p.m. Saturday along U.S. 1 near 104th Street.
This was a large group, about six or seven off-road vehicles, each carrying three to four people, including the driver,” said Pinecrest Police Capt. Ivan Osores.
Officers quickly responded to the scene and attempted to get the crowd under control, but authorities said the situation continued to escalate.
“When the officer arrived at the gas station, the vehicle that fled pinned him, essentially pinning him between the suspect’s vehicle and the officer’s car,” said Osores. “At that time, the officer felt the need to discharge his firearm in response to the threat.”
No one was struck by the gunfire, but authorities said the driver then rolled over the officer’s foot before taking off.
The suspect headed south, leading police on an 18-mile chase all the way to Krome Avenue, police said.
That’s when state troopers got involved.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, they had to perform a PIT maneuver, essentially ramming their patrol car into one of those ATVs to stop them.
Officers said three people were taken into custody and that they would be charged, pending an investigation.
Authorities identified one of the suspects as 24-year-old Adolfo Denis.
He faces charges of attempted second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and fleeing and eluding after an accident.
Overnight, Pinecrest police posted an alert on social media when the area was deemed safe.
“These situations escalate quickly,” said Osores. “When you have a group engaging in reckless, antisocial behavior, blocking roads, taking over intersections, there’s always a risk of violence. When an officer arrives and tries to take control, things can get dangerous. It’s a threat not just to officers, but to bystanders, people just trying to pump gas.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will investigate the police shooting, as is customary.
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