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Driver in custody after police chase ends in Opa-locka

Suspect stole car after having argument with owner, police say

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Authorities arrested a man Thursday morning in Opa-locka following a police chase.

According to Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, two men were hanging out around 5:40 a.m. in the area of Northwest 68th Street and 18th Avenue when they got into an argument.

Zabaleta said one of the men then jumped into the other guy’s car and drove off.

A Be on the Lookout was issued and a police chase ensued hours later after a Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter spotted the vehicle.

Sky 10 was above the scene shortly after 11:15 a.m. as Florida Highway Patrol troopers and police from various departments were working to stop the driver.

The car was spotted weaving in and out of lanes before the driver, identified as 30-year-old Alexander Gesslain, cut through some grass and then abandoned the car.

The man tried to run away but was quickly stopped by police near train tracks in the area of Cairo Lane and Northwest 135th Street as a train was passing through.

Police arrested Gesslain following the chase. He faces charges of fleeing and eluding, strong armed robbery and carjacking.


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Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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