Man Faces Attempted Murder Charges After Video Shows Him Running Over Lauderhill Cop: Police
A man is facing attempted murder charges after video showed him running over a Lauderhill Police officer and another person with an SUV, authorities said.
Charges Filed
Terence Eugene Powell Jr., 27, is charged with attempted murder, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, and aggravated battery after the Tuesday night incident.
The Incident
According to an arrest report, the incident unfolded around 5:30 p.m. when the officer, who was in his marked police vehicle, was hit from behind while stopped at a red light at Sunset Strip and University Drive in Sunrise. The same vehicle, a blue Nissan Rogue, then intentionally hit the officer’s vehicle from behind a second time, the report said.
The Officer’s Account
As the officer stepped out of his vehicle and was approached by a witness to the crash, the Rogue drove at both of them, hitting them and sending them into the air before they landed in an adjacent parking lot. Cameras from a Tesla that was at the scene captured the shocking incident and shows both victims being run over.
The SUV’s Erratic Behavior
Moments later, the SUV entered the parking lot and turned around as the officer and witness were on the ground, then drove at the officer and hit him again, the report said. The Rogue then reversed and tried to hit the officer again but narrowly missed and hit a tree. The SUV fled and eventually found about four miles away near the 4700 block of West Sunrise Boulevard by Lauderhill and Plantation Police, where Powell was taken into custody, the report said.
Aftermath
The officer and the second person were both rushed to a local hospital. Lauderhill Police said the officer was in stable condition Wednesday, but faces a long road to full recovery due to multiple injuries. Sunrise Police said the other victim was conscious and alert.
Support for the Officer and the Witness
Lauderhill Police said, "Out of respect for the officer and his family, his identity will not be released at this time. Our department stands firmly behind him as he recovers, and we extend our full support during this difficult time." Sunrise Police also acknowledged the civilian who courageously attempted to render aid to the officer during the incident.
Powell’s Status
The report said Powell, of Miami Gardens, requested an attorney and refused to give a statement, and was booked into jail. Powell appeared before a judge Wednesday but said he wanted to appear with a private attorney, so his appearance was reset for Thursday.
Conclusion
The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day, and the importance of swift action to bring those responsible to justice.
FAQs
Q: What charges has Terence Eugene Powell Jr. been accused of?
A: Attempted murder, attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, and aggravated battery.
Q: What happened during the incident?
A: The suspect, Powell, ran over a Lauderhill Police officer and another person with an SUV.
Q: What is the officer’s condition?
A: The officer is in stable condition, but faces a long road to full recovery due to multiple injuries.
Q: What happened to the other victim?
A: The other victim is conscious and alert.
