Conflicting Stories Surrounding Deadly NW Miami-Dade Crash Involving Stolen Car
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Conflicting stories Monday night surrounding a deadly crash in northwest Miami-Dade. A family claims it was a chase that led to the crash. Police say that's not the case.
Surveillance video captured the impact that killed 28-year-old Theresa Gutierrez Friday night when police were after a stolen car in northwest Miami-Dade.
The victim's fiancé, Luis Tirado, 28, was behind the wheel. He's currently fighting for his life.
Gutierrez's relatives are grieving. Yasmin Sanmartin is the victim's sister.
"My baby sister is gone and she will never be back," Sanmartin said.
They are also demanding answers from Miami-Dade police.
"We do want justice done for our little sister and her boyfriend because she will not be back," Sanmartin said.
Police said they tried to pull over a Mercedes-Benz after noticing it was stolen.
The detective, who was in an unmarked police car, turned on his lights. But then the Mercedes Benz made a U-turn and took off.
Police went on to say the detective turned off his lights, called for help and followed the car.
It all ended when it crashed along NW 7th Ave. near Opa-locka Blvd.
"Police should not be chasing a stolen cars and killing innocent lives. We are very upset," a relative said.
Officers are denying this was a chase. CBS4 News reviewed the department's pursuit policy.
It states, in part:
"Officers may only engage in pursuits when they have a reasonable belief that the fleeing subject has committed or attempted to commit a felony which involves the use or threat of physical force or violence to a person. All other pursuits are prohibited."
If there is a chase, the primary unit will be using a "siren, revolving or flashing red or blue lights, emergency flashers, and headlights whether it's day or night."
While this family tries to cope with the loss of a loved one, they're also worried for the victim's fiancé.
"I don't know what's going to happen to him either. It's so sad," Sanmartin said.
The two suspects who were arrested were taken to the hospital and arrested. So far, police have not released their names or charges.
