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FHP trooper chases down driver on the Turnpike who crashed into her patrol car

Posted at 7:29 AM, Apr 26, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-26 11:14:01-04

MIAMI (AP) — Authorities say a state trooper chased down and arrested a driver who intentionally crashed into her on Florida's Turnpike.

A Miami-Dade police report says Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Vanessa Franceschi was sitting in her patrol car during a traffic stop along the highway's shoulder Tuesday evening when 20-year-old Raumel Quntero rear-ended her with his Honda Civic and sped away through traffic.

The report says Franceschi chased the Civic and used her own car to force Quntero into a guardrail.

Quntero was arrested at the scene and charged with multiple counts, including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.

The report says Quntero later mentioned in front of two other troopers that the crash was intentional.

"I am grateful that Trooper Franceschi was not seriously injured and was able to act immediately to ensure the suspect was stopped from committing any additional crimes against law enforcement and the public,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, the director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement and criminal justice partners to ensure the suspect, and any suspects who target law enforcement, are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Franceschi suffered minor injuries. No other drivers were harmed.

Jail records didn't list an attorney for Quntero.