Miami-Dade Cop Struck During Rush Hour Foot Chase

MIAMI, FL — A Miami-Dade police officer was taken to the hospital Thursday after being struck by a vehicle during a chaotic, rush hour foot chase that began on one of South Florida's busiest highways.

Detective Lee Cowart of the Miami-Dade Police Department said the foot chase began after officers spotted a stolen white van heading north on Interstate 95 around 6:08 p.m.

"The van attempted to flee from officers and exited I-95 at NW 79 Street exit," Cowart explained. "The stolen vehicle got caught up in rush hour traffic, at which time the adult male driver exited the van and fled running from the scene."

As officers gave chase, another motorist struck one of the officers.

"The injured officer continued chasing the subject and he was apprehended a short time later," said Cowart. "The van was also occupied by an adult female who stayed in the van and was subsequently arrested."

Cowart said the driver of the vehicle that struck the officer remained on the scene and was not given a citation.

"The injured MDPD officer was transported to an area hospital as a precautionary measure," added Cowart. "The van was originally reported stolen by the Miami Police Department."