Police: Teacher Killed After Stolen Car Runs Red Light
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CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – A Coral Springs teacher was killed and her 11-year-old son hospitalized after a car that was allegedly stolen ran a red light and smashed into them.
Parkland resident Christianne Weiner, 53, was pronounced deceased shortly after she was taken to Broward Health North, Tuesday morning.
Her son, a passenger, was air-lifted to Broward General Medical Center with injuries that aren't life-threatening.
Police said they had the green light, going north on N.W. 101st Avenue, when a 2015 Toyota Corolla, reportedly stolen and fleeing authorities, ran through a red light at the intersection of W. Sample Road and collided in a T-bone impact.
Police said 17-year-old Eric Abraham was behind the wheel of the stolen Corolla. Also inside the car were two juveniles and 18-year-old Tyree Goodwin.
They were all treated for serious injuries.
Before the crash, officers attempted to pull Abraham over when they noticed his car displaying a stolen license plate, reported out of Miami Gardens.
"The alert came to our dispatch center, which led to our report patrol officer to get behind the vehicle to try to stop it," a witness said. "At that time, the vehicle failed to stop, and it continued at a high rate of speed on Sample Road eastbound."
In court, Goodwin faced a judge for the first time. So far Goodwin is only charged with grand theft auto and held on a $3,500 bond.
Abraham is facing more serious charges, including vehicular homicide.
Police are talking to the two other juveniles who were in the car to see if they will be charged.
Weiner taught fourth grade at Coral Springs Elementary School, according to Broward Schools.
Mary Gones' kids attended Coral Springs Elementary.
"She was a kind lady and I liked her very much," said Gones. "She was my son's teacher – a fabulous woman, a great teacher."
Her daughter also adored Weiner.
"She was always smiling. To know she's not here… is upsetting," Sabrina Gones said.
The school will have grievance counselors for Weiner's fourth grade class when they get back to school in January.
Anyone with additional information regarding the accident should contact Ofc. Derek Fernandes at (954) 346-1754.