MIAMI – Police chased a cargo van believed to be stolen in Miami-Dade County Monday afternoon.
The chase started on Northeast 15th Avenue and 171st Street.
The driver fled southbound on Interstate 95 and eventually came to a stop on the onramp to the Airport Expressway from the interstate’s Express lanes.
Authorities took the driver into custody after several attempted PIT maneuvers by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper. Video taken during the chase shows the front of an FHP cruiser was ripped off.
A witness who did not want to be identified told Local 10 News’ Bridgette Matter that the suspect who took the van was only wearing his underwear when he jumped into the vehicle at the parts department at North Miami Toyota.
That driver was identified Wednesday as Jose Carlos Blanquicett.
He faces charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding police after a crash, grand theft of a vehicle and reckless driving.
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