Surveillance Video Shows US-1 Fiery Crash Suspect Carjacking, Robbing Two Men
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - A Miami man who stole a car at gunpoint and ended up in a fiery crash on US-1 after a police pursuit made his first court appearance on Wednesday.
Armed robbery and carjacking are just the beginning of a litany of charges brought against 18-year-old Kieron Womble in Miami-Dade Circuit Court Wednesday.
Womble lead police on a high-speed chase that came to a crashing, fiery conclusion on South Dixie Highway Tuesday, blocking the major artery for hours into the evening rush.
The drama began Monday night behind a row of businesses on NW 17th Ave. in Allapattah.
Security video from a nearby business shows Womble (who was picked from a photo lineup by his victims) rushing up on two men, holding them at rifle point as he robs them of their wallets and other valuables.
Then he orders the men to the ground before hopping into one of the victim's red, 2018 Honda Civic and taking off.
He was spotted in the car not far from the crime scene Tuesday afternoon.
A seven minute long high-speed chase down I-95 and US-1 ended when Miami officer Jordany Bahamonde rammed the fleeing car head-on, rather than let it careen a second time into on-coming traffic in an effort to escape.
The officer, who received minor injuries, is being hailed as courageous.
"This officer was very heroic as he attempted to prevent this vehicle from endangering the lives of others and the general public," said Miami Police officer Kiara Delva.
In court, Womble was called a threat to the general public.
"Just based on the absolute carnage and mayhem, the court is very concerned," said Judge Renatha Francis.
She ordered Womble held without bond, finding "proof positive and evidence great" that he committed the armed robbery/carjacking.
If convicted, Womble could face life in prison.
