Driver, Child Critically Injured In Crash With Police Cruiser
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The driver an an Audi and a child who was in the back seat were hospitalized in critical condition after the car collided with a Miami-Dade police cruiser on its way to a call.
The accident happened around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of NW 57th Avenue and West Flagler Street.
An Audi A4, with three adults and five children aboard, struck the patrol car while attempting to make a left turn.
Police say officer was in "emergency mode" and the lights were out at the intersection due to the storm.
The driver of the Audi, 42-year old Hector Meraz, was taken to Jackson Memorial hospital in critical condition. Meraz's two adult passengers, Fanny Gomez and Maria Elena Ortiz, were taken to the Ryder Trauma Center where they were listed as stable.
A 2-3 year child who had been in his back was taken to Nicklaus Children's Hospital in critical condition. Two other children were taken to Nicklaus Children's, the other two were taken to the Ryder Trauma Center - all were listed as stable.
The officer and a K-9 were taken to a nearby hospital.
Detectives believe the rainy weather and non-functioning light were contributing factors to the crash.