Porsche driver accused of crashing into trooper on I-75 in Weston, running from scene

WESTON, Fla. – A hit-and-run driver who struck a Florida Highway Patrol trooper and then ran away was arrested moments after he led authorities on a manhunt, officials said.

It happened around 7 a.m. Tuesday on the northbound lanes of Interstate 75 approaching Indian Trace in Weston.

Photos released by FHP showed the trooper’s vehicle with rear-end damage, and the driver’s black Porsche heavily damaged.

FHP trooper vehicle sustains heavy damage following hit-and-run crash in Weston. (Florida Highway Patrol)

According to authorities, after the Porsche struck the FHP cruiser while speeding, the driver, identified as 49-year-old Ricardo Jimenez, got out of the German sports car and ran.

Law enforcement searched for Jimenez with the help of police helicopters and K-9 units, authorities said.

After a few hours, authorities were able to find Jimenez and take him into custody. He was taken to Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital to be treated for injuries.

Ricardo Jimenez. (Broward Sheriff's Office)

Authorities said the trooper suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Hours after being treated at the hospital, he arrived at Broward County’s Main Jail where a Local 10 News crew captured him wincing in pain and giving a smile to the camera before being escorted inside to be booked on criminal charges.

According to jail records, those charges include leaving the scene of a crash with damage to property, failure to stop following a crash, unattended vehicle, without leaving ID and resisting arrest without violence. His total bond was set at $16,150.


About the Authors
Ryan Mackey headshot

Ryan Mackey is a Digital Journalist at WPLG. He was born in Long Island, New York, and has lived in Sunrise, Florida since 1994.

Liane Morejon headshot

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

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