On November 8, 2023, a high-speed police chase in Miami-Dade, Florida, culminated in an accident, resulting in the death of a 15-year-old boy and leaving a 14-year-old girl critically injured. The girl later died in the hospital on November 10.
The incident began when Miami-Dade police received a call about a suspicious vehicle. Upon locating a vehicle matching the description, the officers attempted to approach it. However, the situation quickly escalated as the teenage driver, attempting to evade the police, lost control of the vehicle. The car, an Audi, crashed into a concrete pillar, resulting in catastrophic consequences.
The 15-year-old driver, Anthony Jayden Gago, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. The passenger, 14-year-old Jazmin Keltz, suffered critical injuries and was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency medical care.
Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the events that led to the outcome. One critical aspect under investigation is whether the 15-year-old driver had a permit or was legally allowed to operate the vehicle. Reports indicate that the vehicle belonged to his mother, though it is unclear if she was aware of her son’s use of the car at the time of the incident.
The aftermath of the crash was a grim scene, with images showing the car’s engine dislodged and lying in the middle of the road.
The incident is not isolated in Florida’s recent history. High-speed chases, often involving younger drivers, have led to multiple accidents and fatalities. These events have sparked discussions about police pursuit policies and the risks they pose to public safety, particularly when minors are involved.
The Miami-Dade Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. They are examining all aspects of the chase, including the initial report of the suspicious vehicle and the actions taken by the officers during the pursuit.