Man arrested after wild police chase in Miami-Dade, several cars damaged
MIAMI - It was a scene of complete chaos as a driver began smashing into cars on Southwest 41st Street and 72nd Avenue on Wednesday.
Miami-Dade Police say they were trying to take the driver into custody when he sped off with his father in the pickup and ended up being trapped in heavy traffic
"It was like a scene from a movie, crazy" a worker at a body shop business said.
As he and others saw the drama play out in real time, police say the driver, Kevin Paul Prater, was wanted on charges, including making written threats against law enforcement, stalking and extortion.
Before it was over, Prater had damaged several cars before he surrendered.
"It was like lights, cameras, action," a witness said. "It was a little bit crazy like a movie scene here."
Prater is facing additional charges that included fleeing and eluding, battery to a law enforcement officer and reckless driving.
"Mr. Kevin Paul Prater made written threats to law enforcement officers from the South Miami Police Department as well as the Miami-Dade Police Department," Detective Andre Martin said.
"We are thankful no one received any injuries in this incident."
CBS News Miami's Chelsea Jones spoke to Edie Prater, Kevin's father, who was the passenger trying to escape the smashing spree.
"I'm screaming the whole time. Please stop, please stop, please stop," he said.
Video shows the father making his way out of the vehicle unharmed and will not be facing charges, police said.
Miami Dade Police officers found probable cause to detain Kevin on several charges including extortion, aggravated stalking, and written threats to kill a law enforcement officer.
When officers attempted a traffic stop at his home, Kevin fled. That's how the situation ended up along Southwest 41st Street.
Barbara Marquez Prater is Kevin's wife. She says he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. She also claimed her husband and her sister-in-law have a long history including restraining orders.
"Because of what she's done, because of the stalking, coming by, pointing guns at my husband, standing at the end of the block trying to instigate an argument," Marquez Prater said.
She also said her husband was on probation for felony charges of aggravated assault and grand theft from 2012. However, she said he's a different person now.
