A Broward Sheriff’s Office pursuit ended in a crash on southbound Interstate 95 in Pompano Beach on Friday, after a suspect allegedly battered a deputy during a theft investigation, according to BSO.
Officials said deputies were called around 11 a.m. to a theft at a business near the 300 block of West Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach. Witnesses told reporters the alleged theft happened at a Shell gas station. The suspect allegedly hit a deputy and drove off, and deputies gave chase.
The pursuit ended just north of Atlantic Boulevard. Traffic cameras showed at least six law enforcement units and two rescue trucks at the scene. Chopper6 aerial images showed one overturned vehicle resting on its side and a red SUV that also appeared to be involved. BSO said four vehicles were in the crash, including a deputy’s car, the suspect’s vehicle and two civilian cars.
I-95 southbound at Atlantic Boulevard was closed for a few hours. The suspect was taken to a hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening.
BSO identified him as 37-year-old Avonta Bailey. He faces charges including retail theft, battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding, aggravated fleeing, resisting arrest and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Records show Bailey was arrested in 2018 on charges including aggravated battery on an officer or firefighter and grand theft.
