Video: Domestic Dispute Involving Miramar Officer Leads To Aggressive Driving Incident Caught On Camera
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MIRAMAR (CBSMiami) – A domestic dispute is what led to some aggressive driving involving a police cruiser, caught on video Saturday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol and now police are looking for the man responsible.
Austin Conley's dash cam captured the scene as a Miramar police officer in a marked patrol car was weaving in and out of traffic followed by a Nissan Altima.
Conley said he was driving home from work when he saw the officer's vehicle speed past him without any lights or siren on, followed by the Altima.
At one point in the video, both vehicles are weaving in and out of traffic on I-75 and nearly hit a Jeep.
"You know this person was really aggressive towards whoever is driving this law enforcement vehicle. I was like, you know, this is something that needed to be reported," said Conley.
Worrying about his safety and that of others, Conley called 911.
His story, at first, was questioned by 911 dispatch.
"I mean unless you see the video it's such a strange story to tell you know I probably wouldn't have believed it myself if somebody would've told me," he said.
According to Conley, he said police told him the two likely knew each other but they did not go farther than that.
Turns out, they do know each other.
The Florida Highway Patrol tells CBS4 News that this stems from a domestic dispute between the female officer and the father of her children.
Troopers say the officer noticed Roberto Zaldivar following her to work.
She was sideswiped at one point while trying to avoid his car.
According to the FHP report, the officer stated "She attempted to evade Zaldivar in an attempt to get some distance, he persisted as she veered from the left lane to the right, and even tried slamming on his brakes in front of her patrol vehicle to get her to stop. At some point, the officer veered for the Miramar Pkwy exit, and his vehicle side swiped the left front of her patrol vehicle as he tried to maneuver in front of her again."
When the officer made it to work, she filed a report with FHP.
Zaldivar was arrested Monday and appeared before a judge.
He's facing charges of aggravated assault on a police officer and criminal mischief charges. Zaldivar was granted bond but must wear an ankle monitor.
The Miramar Police Department issued a statement Monday afternoon regarding the incident which read: "At the present time we can confirm that we are aware of this incident and that it stemmed from a domestic altercation that occurred in the city of Hialeah. The victim in this case is a Miramar police officer. Unfortunately, domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects people regardless of their age, gender, socio-economic status, race or religion – and in this case their employment. Police officers are not immune to being victims of domestic abuse. The Miramar Police Department has offered victim services to this employee and will continue to support ALL victims of crime."
