Young Woman Dies in Police Shootout After Fleeing From Two Crashes
NBC Miami reports in a recent story appearing on their website that a 22-year-old woman has been killed after police opened fire on her in Miami on Sunday Night.
According to investigators, Miami Beach Police officers opened fire on Cariann Denise Hithon, 22, after she ran over a police officer. The incident followed Hithon who was driving a black BMW at a high rate of speed and crashed into two vehicles on 12th Street and Ocean Drive and then fled the scene of the crash.
Miami Beach Chief of Police, Dan Oates said in a statement to the press that Hithon had been traveling westbound from Ocean on 12th, went through a red light and striking an occupied vehicle on 12th and Collins,” “At some point, the driver made a decision to speed away and she continued west on 12th Street, “ Oates said.
Authorities say that as Hithon was fleeing the scene of the crash, struck another vehicle on Lincoln drive. Police caught up to Hithon, who had struck Officer David Cajuso near Ocean Drive, sending him airborne.
Onlookers, mostly pedestrians were in the area when Hithon attempted once again to flee the scene, putting many of the pedestrians and onlookers in danger. Police officers fired multiple shots into Hithon’s vehicle as a precautionary measure and killed her.
It happens all too often. Someone getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking can lead to tragedies such as this one. Even if someone suffers from a momentary lapse of judgment and the urge to flee is overwhelming, leaving the scene of an accident is a very serious crime. It is important to stay put or risk more serious charges or even worse.
If you or a loved one lives in the Miami Dade area and have been severely injured in an accident involving an intoxicated driver, contact us today. An attorney will work in your best interests and make certain that your rights are protected and that you are justly compensated for your injuries