Fatal Crash Ends Miami-Dade Traffic Stop

A traffic stop in Miami-Dade on Wednesday night led to a tragic incident after a suspect fled from deputies, resulting in a fatal crash. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office reported that at approximately 7:42 p.m., deputies stopped 21-year-old Luis Manuel Perez at Northwest 51st Terrace and 33rd Avenue. During the stop, deputies discovered Perez had an outstanding warrant.

Perez then drove away from the scene, prompting deputies to search for him. In a bid to escape, he turned onto a dead-end street, ran a stop sign, and collided with another vehicle. The force of the crash caused the vehicle to overturn.

As the collision unfolded, the involved cars struck an unmarked sheriff’s office vehicle that had been occupied by a deputy involved in the search for Perez. The civilian driver, critically injured from the crash, was transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Ryder Trauma Center. Tragically, the driver succumbed to injuries at the hospital.

Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased driver at this time. Following the crash, Perez was apprehended at Northwest 53rd Street and 33rd Avenue and taken to a hospital for medical evaluation, according to the arrest affidavit.

The affidavit also indicates that Perez is subject to a military hold. The Traffic Homicide unit of the sheriff’s office is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

This story may be updated as new details emerge regarding the events of that night.

Originally published on September 3, 2026, at 9:23 AM. Milena Malaver, a crime and breaking news reporter for the Miami Herald, hails from Miami-Dade. She completed her studies at Florida International University and began her career at the Herald shortly thereafter.