KB Chief of Police Weighs In on Miami Car Chase Tragedy

A Miami police chase ended in tragedy Thursday when violent armed robbers hijacked a truck. Police policy on chases has been the subject of debate recently on Key Biscayne (Adobe)

As Key Biscayne put to bed recent debate on the perils of police car chases, a real-time example played out across Biscayne Bay with tragic consequences.

Miami-Dade County police departments are now grappling with questions about the series of events Thursday that left two civilians dead after a botched armed robbery ended in a car chase from Coral Gables to Miramar.

Reacting to the loss of fellow Miamians, Key Biscayners reached out to their Chief of Police, Charles Press, for his reaction — particularly pertinent in light of Press’s full-throated defense of his department’s policies at the last Village Council meeting Nov. 19. 

Following several car thefts on the island this summer, Press took time to reinforce his department’s strict ‘no-chase’ policy in cases of non-violent property theft. 

But he drew a clear distinction with the Miami case Friday, responding (on social media) that “this was a violent armed robbery. Shots were fired and an armed carjacking followed.”

Press stressed however that “it’s difficult to comment when you don’t have all the facts.”

“I think what’s most important is to keep our eye on the ball,” he continued. “Innocent people died, and it was driven by two very violent criminals.”

Press could not comment on the exact sequence of events surrounding the death of the bystanders, one of whom was the driver of the hijacked UPS truck. “What happened during and after the vehicle came to a halt will be discussed in a courtroom for years to come,” he said. “This was truly a tragedy.”

The remarks seem to reinforce Press’s stance on police car chasing as extremely risky.

“As I had explained to Council,” he said, “chases are extremely dangerous. It is the great unknown. There is just no way of knowing how it’s going to come to a conclusion.”

Press finished his remarks with thoughts for those affected by the violence, saying:

“I pray for the victims and their families. I pray for the officers who placed themselves in harm’s way for strangers. And I pray that our officers always make the right decisions when it comes to safeguarding your families and friends. Have a blessed weekend.”

Resident Annika Akerlund-Tarajano, who originally posed the question to Press on a traffic-issues chat group, said the chief gave a “moving and thoughtful response, which was appreciated.”