Miami Seashore Police Officer Chasing Suspected Pickpocket Hit by Patrol Automotive; Rape Sufferer Speaks Out – WSVN 7News | Miami Information, Climate, Sports activities

MIAMI (WSVN) – A chaotic night in Miami Beach ended with a police officer hospitalized after investigators said he and a suspected pickpocket were accidentally hit by a squad car during a pursuit.

The officer responded to a robbery at the 2200 block of Miami Beach Walk near Collins Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

Speaking to 7News on Friday, victim Jennifer Burtch said she was walking south when a man snatched her shoulder bag and rode away on a bicycle.

“He grabbed my purse and I turned around and in that moment I didn’t know if I should even call the police or what to do,” she said.

Burtch said she chased after the thief and called 911.

Pictures of Burtch taken after the incident showed marks on his neck and forearm.

“Yes, I got right here where he snatched the purse,” she said of showing off her neck injury, “and then the force on my arm caused some bruising and a small abrasion here.”

Cell phone video captured from an apartment balcony captured several police patrol cars.

Detectives and other officers said they chased and caught up with the pickpocket, fighting with him on the ground before an officer and the suspect were accidentally hit by another responding officer’s cruiser.

The officer was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami with a large multi-agency police escort. His injuries were not life-threatening.

The suspect, identified as 30-year-old LaJuan White, was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach. He is expected to be fine.

When White is released, he goes to prison. He faces multiple charges including robbery, resisting arrest and drug possession.

This isn’t White’s first clash with authorities. He has a library of mugshots related to South Florida arrests on charges ranging from begging and drug possession to grand larceny and robbery.

As for Burtch, she said that she and her family have been coming to Miami Beach from Louisiana for years, and it’s something that’s never happened to her before.

“This is the first time I’ve experienced something like this,” she said.

Burtch has a piece of advice for anyone planning a walk on the Beach Walk.

“Be aware of your surroundings and be safe and try to limit your distractions,” she said.

The injured officer has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.

Copyright 2021 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, transcribed or redistributed.

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news straight to your inbox