Driver Accused Of Causing Six Car Crash Blames His Brakes
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A driver accused of causing a six vehicle wreck which included a Miami-Dade police cruiser has an explanation.
David Merini, the driver at the center of the crash, claims his brakes went out.
"My brake stopped working. I veered to the left so I would not hit the car in front of me and the light turned green. I had to… I could not stop," he said.
The accident happened at SW 8th Street and 32nd Avenue.
Surveillance video from El Atlacatl restaurant shows the chaos from inside moments after the crash just a few feet from their building.
At 7:56 Tuesday night, employees and customers rushed to the door. Seconds later Merini walked into the restaurant checking himself out for injuries.
Inside people in the restaurant made Merini take a seat.
Investigators say Merini, 33, was driving under the influence when he clipped two west bound cars.
His Chevy Malibu slid sideways across the intersection and slammed head on into a SUV which hit the Miami-Dade police cruiser, both of which were stopped at the light.
The officer in the car sustained a hand injury and was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
There were no other serious injuries – surprising for such a spectacular crash.
Police are looking into Merini's story that his brakes failed.
"That is one of the thing that our investigator are looking at," said Det. Alvaro Zabaleta. "He is saying it could have been possibly the brakes, which is why we are saying he lost control of his vehicle."
Merini has been charged with DUI.
People inside the restaurants say Merini was on his cell phone moments after the crash and was asking them if he was okay.
"I can't believe I am still here alive," said Merini.
