SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - An overnight crash in Southwest Miami-Dade resulted in the death of a 15-year-old boy who was behind the wheel and critical injuries to a 14-year-old girl in the passenger seat, officials said.
According to officials, the incident unfolded in the area of Miller Drive and Southwest 117th Avenue, at around 3 a.m., Wednesday.
Miami-Dade Police said officers were behind the silver Audi involved in the single-vehicle wreck after receiving a call about the vehicle.
“Complainant calling about a suspicious incident. Their 14-year-old daughter was dropped off by that silver Audi,” said a dispatcher on Broadcastify police scanner.
“Once officers were in the area, they were able to see a vehicle that matched the description on Miller traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta.
“We have units behind a vehicle [that] initially was refusing to stop. They picked it up again eastbound [on 56th],” said a dispatcher on a Broadcastify police scanner.
Investigators said a patrol unit turned on its lights with plans to attempt a traffic stop in the area of Southwest 118th Avenue.
“Immediately thereafter, the driver lost control of the vehicle, striking one of the concrete pillars that are under the overpass of the Turnpike, causing that car to flip to its side,” said Zabaleta.
Police said the teenage driver was killed, and paramedics rushed the passenger to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition.
7News cameras captured the mangled Audi under the overpass. It was later towed away from the scene.
Detectives believe this appears to be a case of a teenager who took his mother’s car without her permission. She has been informed of the tragic incident.
“Our prayers are with the family, and this affects the entire community. It’s tragic because of the fact we have a 15-year-old that didn’t make it to school today,” said Zabaleta.
Police have not disclosed the victims’ identities, but Miami-Dade County Public Schools confirmed that both victims are students of their school system.
It remains uncertain whether the 15-year-old had a learner’s permit.
Police are also asking parents to take the opportunity to talk to their children about responsible driving and the importance of obeying the speed limit, as well as wearing seat belts.
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