News Crime and Safety

K-9 Captures Man After Fleeing Scene of a High-Speed Hit and Run

by Ryan Yousefi February 23, 2023

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Jason Vera {BSO}

By Ryan Yousefi

A man was arrested and charged with multiple crimes, including fleeing the scene of a crash, resisting an officer, and reckless driving.

While on a routine patrol in the area of the 400 block of S SR7 on February 19, a Margate Police officer observed a light-colored Toyota vehicle traveling northbound at a high-speed rate, swerving throughout the three lanes of traffic.

According to the arrest report, the officer turned around to catch up to the vehicle, later identified as being driven by Jason Vera, 29, of Fort Lauderdale.

As the officer approached North SR 7 and West Atlantic Blvd, he observed a vehicle with significant fresh damage to the rear and front bumper.

According to police, Vera’s vehicle traveled eastbound from the area of the crash with significant damage to the front bumper, consistent with a collision. The officer called for medical units while he attempted to catch up with the Toyota.

The report states after initially witnessing Vera driving slowly away from the scene, he quickly sped up to over 100 mph after the officer initiated his emergency lights and sirens.

Vera then made a right turn, traveling southbound on Lyons Road at a rapidly increasing rate of speed. As the officer grew closer to Vera’s vehicle, he observed it swerving all over the roadway, according to the police report.

Ignoring the officer’s attempts to pull him over, Vera made a right turn on Prospect Road, where he exited the vehicle, and ran southbound towards an apartment complex, where a foot chase across multiple neighborhoods and streets ensured until officers lost sight of Vera, according to the police report.

A perimeter was established, and K-9 Officer was released to locate Vera’s hiding place. After a short search, the K-9 officer located and apprehended Vera, who suffered superficial cuts on his leg from the apprehension and minor scrapes to his left knee and elbow, according to the report.

Vera was taken into custody and transferred to the Northwest Medical Center for medical clearance before Broward Sherffi’s deputies transported him to the Broward County Main Jail.

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Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.