Miami-Dade traffic stop turns deadly after wanted driver flees, deputies say

A traffic stop ended in a fatal crash Wednesday night after a wanted man fled from deputies, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.

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At 7:42 p.m., deputies stopped the driver, identified as 21-year-old Luis Manuel Perez, at Northwest 51st Terrace and 33rd Avenue. During the stop, they learned he had an outstanding warrant. Perez then drove away, deputies say.

As deputies searched for him, he entered a dead-end street. When he turned around, he ran a stop sign and crashed into another car, causing it to flip.

The crash then caused the cars to hit an unmarked sheriff’s office vehicle that was occupied by a deputy searching for Perez.

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The driver of the civilian car was taken by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. The driver died at the hospital. Deputies have not publicly identified the driver.

Perez was taken into custody at Northwest 53rd Street and 33rd Avenue, according to his arrest affidavit, and brought to a hospital for evaluation.

Perez has a military hold, according to his arrest affidavit. The sheriff’s office said the warrant was issued by the U.S. military, but it wasn’t clear if he is an active service member.

Read more Miami-Dade traffic stop turns deadly after wanted driver flees, deputies say

The sheriff’s office Traffic Homicide unit is investigating the crash.

This report will be updated.

Miami Herald Staff Writer David Goodhue contributed to this report.

This story was originally published September 3, 2026 at 9:23 AM.