What to Know
- The incident occurred on Tuesday in Miami-Dade County on the Florida Turnpike.
- The suspect is accused of striking an FHP trooper's vehicle with his own and fleeing the scene.
- A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the crime.
A 20-year-old man allegedly intentionally struck a Florida Highway Patrol trooper's vehicle on the Turnpike during a traffic stop but was arrested soon after by the same trooper.
In a statement, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said the incident occurred Tuesday evening in Miami-Dade County.
Vanessa Franceschi was conducting a traffic stop when a "motorist intentionally struck her patrol car."
"The suspect fled through traffic, and without hesitation, trooper Franceschi heroically pursued and skillfully conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique causing the suspect to stop," the statement reads.
Raumel Denis Quintero was then promptly arrested and later charged with aggravated battery against a law enforcement officer and felony fleeing, eluding and leaving the scene of a crash with injuries.
Franceschi sustained minor injuries. No other motorists were harmed.
Local
“This suspect’s actions were cowardly and trooper Franceschi’s quick and courageous actions exemplify the best of the Florida Highway Patrol and all law enforcement officers,” DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes said. “That she was targeted because she is a law enforcement officer is outrageous and we must continue to support our brave heroes by letting them know malicious attacks against law enforcement will not be tolerated in our communities.”
