A man who was arrested after being accused of fleeing from police and striking a Pinecrest officer with an off-road vehicle appeared in court on Monday.
Adolfo Denis Jr., 24, was charged with attempted second-degree murder, aggravated battery on an officer and aggravated fleeing and eluding after an accident.
During his court appearance, Denis’ attorney argued there was no probable cause for the attempted second-degree murder charge that he was facing.
Denis’ attorney also argued that his client was not committing any crimes.
“At the time, and it’s unclear from the arrest affidavit what he’s being detained for or what the purpose for the law enforcement intervention is,” he said.
Authorities and the state argue that Denies chose to drive his vehicle straight toward the officer.
Ultimately, the judge modified the attempted murder charge to aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, but denied Denis’ bond.
“I’m granting the state’s motion for pretrial detention pending final hearing, and I’m holding you with no bond,” the judge said.
According to police, on Saturday, officers arrived at an Exxon Mobil gas station, where officers received a call about six or seven large, off-road vehicles.
When the suspects saw the officers, the group sped off, and Denis allegedly hit the officer’s left foot while trying to get away, investigators said.
Video posted on Only in Dade captured the chaotic chain of events.
“The vehicle that fled basically pinned him between the subject vehicle and the officer’s car,” an official said. “At that time, the officer felt the need to discharge his firearm at the threat, at the vehicle.”
Police said no one was struck by the officer’s gunfire.
After an 18-mile chase going south to Krome Avenue, police performed a PIT Maneuver and arrested Denis and two others.
The two who were arrested have since been released.
The officer who was injured is expected to be OK and is recovering at home.
Denis is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
