Officer Injured In Fiery Crash Remains Hospitalized
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MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – A Miami-Dade police officer remains hospitalized after she was involved in a fiery crash over the weekend while pursuing a suspect in Miami Gardens.
"It was an assault on a police officer which is what initiated the whole scene," said Det. Argemis Colome.
Early Sunday, Bradys Balcinde, 38, reportedly assaulted an officer at NW 119 Street and NW 7th Avenue. Officers Zuri Cook and Ebony Nesbitt encountered Balcinde and, according to court documents, he attempted to strike both officers with his car. Nesbitt had to jump out of the way. He then sped off.
Nesbitt went after Balcinde and ended up colliding with a black Infiniti at the intersection of NW 7th Avenue and NW 171st Street. The collision sent her cruiser into a Cadillac SUV, stopped at the light. They both caught fire.
"The police officer and the driver of the first vehicle were both taken to local hospitals, which thank God they're both in stable conditions at this moment," said Det. Colome.
Police say Balcinde was taken into custody within blocks of the crash and is now facing charges for
assault on an officer and eluding police.
Nesbitt has been with the department for three years. She was taken to Memorial Hospital and the driver of the Infiniti was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital North. Both were listed as stable.
Balcinde refused to go to his bond hearing on Monday. Federal authorities have placed an immigration hold on him so should he make bond he would be subject to deportation.
This was the second crash involving a police officer over the weekend.
On Saturday, a Miami police officer crashed into a Honda Civic at the intersection of SW 12th Avenue and 7th Street, killing its driver 71-year-old Ramon Bueno.
Police said the officer's lights and sirens were on as it went through the intersection, but the Bueno's family has disputed that.
The officer was treated at a hospital and released.
In an effort to help Bueno's family, the Miami Fraternal Order of Police is asking for the public's help to cover Bueno's funeral expenses. The Miami Fraternal Order of Police is donating $1,000 to support the family.
At last check, the family had more than $3,000 of the $10,000. Click here if you would like to donate.
