Rush Hour Chase Down I-95 Ends in Downtown Miami, Suspect Luther Henry In Custody

Man wanted for assault on an officer led police up and down I-95 before fleeing into a building with a woman and child inside

The lead-footed suspect who led a chase down I-95 discarded cocaine as he fled authorities on foot when he reached Downtown Miami, Miami-Dade Police spokesman Roy Rutland said.

Rutland said even more cocaine was found in 37-year-old Luther Henry's socks after he was taken into custody.

The incident unfolded after 5 p.m. when police responded to Henry reportedly driving a white car erratically in the area of NW 68th Street and 19th Avenue.

Henry tried to hit at least one officer with the vehicle, authorities say, causing pursuit as he drove off.

Henry then drove north toward Opa Locka before heading south on I-95, with what appeared to be marked and unmarked police cars initally in pursuit.

Police vehicles dropped back as a media helicopter pursued the vehicle on the Interstate.

Henry bailed out of his car near NW 5th Street and 7th Avenue, fleeing on foot about 6:13 p.m. through a back door into an apartment with a woman and little girl inside. He discarded the drugs on the way, Rutland said.

City of Miami police had been monitoring the live feed from the chopper, and went to the front door of the apartment, guns drawn.

The woman then exited the apartment building, helped by police.

A struggle at the doorway ensued as officers pulled Henry from the building while simultaneously carrying the little girl to safety.

Henry was subdued and taken into custody. He was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital by Miami-Fire Rescue.

Police believe Henry knew the woman inside the apartment, but do not believe she was trying to aid or shield him.

Rutland said Henry has an extensive violent criminal history, including a previous three-and-a-half year sentence for cocaine trafficking charges, and is a habitual traffic offender.

Police say the car is a rental vehicle.

Stay with NBCMiami for updates.

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