A newly released police chase video in Miami-Dade County, Florida, captures the intense pursuit of a woman accused of stealing a Honda Civic from a dealership. The high-speed chase culminated in a crash and a daring water rescue when the suspect jumped into a body of water after crashing into a concrete ramp.
Newly released police dashcam footage has shed light on an intense and dangerous police chase in Miami-Dade County, Florida, that ended with the suspect jumping into a body of water. The pursuit, which unfolded on May 9, involved a stolen Honda Civic and a reckless driver who authorities say put numerous lives at risk.
According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, the incident began when 27-year-old Melina Logan visited a Honda dealership in South Miami to test drive a 2024 Honda Civic. After the test drive with a car dealership employee, Logan allegedly waited until the salesperson exited the vehicle and sped away with the car.
The dealership immediately notified local police, who alerted the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). A FHP officer eventually spotted Logan on the interstate and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, Logan refused to comply and led police on a high-speed chase that lasted for several minutes.
Police dashcam footage, obtained by FOX 35 Orlando, captures Logan driving recklessly and making aggressive lane changes. She allegedly reached 90 mph as she swerved between heavy traffic and even used the paved shoulder in an attempt to bypass slower-moving vehicles.
During the chase, Logan crashed into several vehicles before hitting a concrete ramp. The impact caused the Civic to become severely damaged and disabled. Undeterred, Logan emerged from the battered car and stepped on top of the concrete ramp before jumping into the nearby Miami Canal.
Other law enforcement agencies arrived at the scene and quickly threw safety ropes at Logan to help her to land. However, authorities said she refused to grab the ropes. Police officers were forced to enter the water and, after a "brief struggle," Logan was taken into custody.
Logan was taken to a local medical center for evaluation before being booked into the Miami-Dade jail. She faces several charges, including grand theft, aggravated fleeing and eluding, resisting an officer without violence, and leaving the scene of a crash involving an injury.
The police chase and subsequent water rescue highlight the dangers of reckless driving and the risks that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis. The Miami-Dade Police Department commended the officers involved in the pursuit and rescue for their professionalism and bravery.
Logan's actions demonstrated a disregard for public safety and the rule of law. Her decision to flee from police and put innocent lives at risk is reprehensible. The charges against her reflect the severity of her crimes and underscore the consequences of such irresponsible behavior.
