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BSO: Driver Flees Deputy, Dies Shortly After In Accident

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TAMARAC (CBSMiami) – The Broward Sheriff's Office said a driver who fled during a traffic stop died shortly after in an accident with an SUV in Tamarac Saturday morning.

According to authorities, at 4:31 a.m. a BSO deputy stopped a black Infiniti M37x that was driving erratically, which they said was consistent with someone who was possibly impaired.

The deputy attempted a traffic stop, and the vehicle reportedly stopped in the middle of the roadway on Commercial Blvd.

BSO said when the deputy got out of the vehicle to approach, the driver fled at a high rate of speed.

The deputy did not pursue and issued a BOLO for the vehicle.

Just two minutes later, BSO received a 9-1-1 call from someone who had seen an accident on Commercial Blvd. in the 4900 block westbound lanes just west of Florida's turnpike.

When deputies arrived on scene, they said it was the same black Infiniti.

The Infiniti had apparently crossed the median and hit a Jeep SUV travelling westbound.

"It went airborne. It swerved in S's, real fast then jumped the median and right into the SUV in front of me. Head on. No brakes or nothing, just bam!" said eyewitness Preston Hicks. "I ain't never seen anything like that in my life before. Not like that. Right in front of my eyes."

The driver of the SUV, 37-year-old John David Heeb, was critically injured and was transported by BSO helicopter to Broward Health Medical Center.

Tamarac Fatal Crash (SUV)
The driver of the SUV, 37-year-old John David Heeb, was critically injured and was transported by BSO helicopter to Broward Health Medical Center. (Source: CBS4)

Tamarac Fire Rescue and North Lauderdale Fire Rescue also responded to the scene. They pronounced driver of Infiniti, 23-year-old Regis Dorcilus, dead on the scene.

Tia Johnson, 19, was in the passenger seat of the Infiniti. She suffered extreme burns because the vehicle had burst into flames. She was taken to Broward Health.

BSO's traffic homicide unit is investigating the crash.

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to call Det. Robert Hager at (954) 321-4840 or report anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Broward County at (954) 493-TIPS (8477) or online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.

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