Final Arrangements Being Made For Motorcycle Officer Killed In Crash
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Final arrangements are being made for a Miami police motorcycle officer who was killed in a collision involving more than half a dozen vehicles.
A wake will be held Thursday and funeral service Friday for Officer Jorge Sanchez who was hit from behind at the intersection of SW 137th Avenue and 8th Street while on his way to work.
"He was stopped at the intersection. He was rear-ended by a vehicle, an SUV," said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Joe Sanchez.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, 26-year-old Ronald Pla somehow lost control of his white Infinity, slamming into the back of Sanchez who was stopped at the red light heading eastbound on 8th Street.
"All of a sudden the motorcyclist ends up almost hitting every car there, bouncing against the bar, the guardrail, and I saw the body flipping," said "David".
Street vendors and workers from nearby businesses ran to help the officer and the others injured in the crash.
"I laid my hands on his back and I prayed, basically that's all I could do, I let the medics take over and do their job," said Alberto Lugo.
A dozen people were hurt in the crash. Three were considered trauma alerts, including Jorge Sanchez. Two remain in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, according to the FHP.
A total of five people were transported to Kendall Regional Hospital. Seven people were treated for minor injuries.
Prior to the re-opening the road, traffic homicide investigators from several different police agencies prayed over the spot where Sanchez went down.
Sanchez, a 21-year-veteran, was close to joining his former Miami Police Chief Manny Orosa in retirement. He leaves behind a fiancé and three children, the youngest just seven years old.
"He was always soft spoken. He was a big muscular guy, but he was very soft-spoken and he was just a great guy to be around and talk with him and have conversations," Orosa said. "He was a great cop and a tremendous detective and he will be sorely missed."
A day after his death, Florida Governor Rick Scott issued a statement on his death and the death of another Florida officer.
"Ann and I join Floridians across the state in mourning the tragic loss of two law enforcement heroes this week. Deputy Scott Williams and Officer Jorge Sanchez were both veteran officers and fathers, and our prayers are with their families and colleagues. Each day, brave men and women in uniform put their lives on the line in order to keep our state safe, and we must take every opportunity to recognize these officers, and their families, for this tremendous sacrifice. We will do all we can to honor Deputy Williams and Officer Sanchez's service and courage, and we hope their loved ones find peace and healing during this difficult time," said Scott.