Bodycam Video Captures Showdown, Police Pursuit of ‘Habitual Theft Offender’ Who Fled Traffic Stop off Lincoln Road
Police Body Camera Video Captures Dramatic Footage
Police body camera video captured a street showdown between officers and a wanted man who detectives said fled a traffic stop off Lincoln Road Mall. The dramatic footage, exclusively obtained by 7News, shows the all-out blitz to catch Jeffrey Donald near Miami Beach City Hall back on October 2.
K-9 Officer Yells “Turn Around or You’re Gonna Get Bit!”
The video shows the K-9 officer yelling “Turn around or you’re gonna get bit!” at the suspect. Investigators said Donald ran from a traffic stop but briefly stopped while at gunpoint, as seen through a cruiser’s windshield. But despite the commands and barking K-9s, he bolted for the parking garage adjacent to Lincoln Road.
Police Pursuit Through Parking Garage
The video shows officers chasing Donald through the parking garage, with one officer yelling “Go, George, go, go!” as they pursue him. “He’s inside the garage,” said another officer. “We’re going to go get him,” said the first officer.
Donald’s Criminal History
A police report states Donald, whom they described as “a habitual theft offender,” was on an inmate release program when he kept targeting the Walgreens on Fifth Street and Jefferson Avenue with thefts and armed robberies. One time, detectives said, Donald threatened a clerk with a tequila bottle. The police report states, “The victim was in such fear of the defendant that he was shaking.”
Arrest and Charges
Weeks after that crime, police said, officers with Miami Beach Police’s Strategic Enforcement Team recognized Donald in a car near the garage and City Hall. Moments later, he ran. Officers then learned of who they were after. “He’s wearing like an aqua blue shirt,” an officer is heard saying in bodycam video. Donald was apprehended shortly after. A witness was seen cheering officers in as they handcuffed the suspect. “Great job!” said the witness.
Conclusion
Donald remains locked up at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He faces a list of charges, including armed robbery and assault upon a person 65 or older. His trial is pending.
FAQs
Q: Who is Jeffrey Donald?
A: Jeffrey Donald is a 35-year-old man who was arrested for fleeing a traffic stop and resisting arrest.
Q: What was Donald’s criminal history?
A: Donald was described as a “habitual theft offender” and had a history of thefts and armed robberies, including threatening a clerk with a tequila bottle.
Q: What happened during the police pursuit?
A: Donald fled a traffic stop and was pursued by police through the parking garage adjacent to Lincoln Road. He was eventually apprehended and arrested.
Q: What charges is Donald facing?
A: Donald is facing charges of armed robbery and assault upon a person 65 or older. His trial is pending.
