Published on Wednesday, December 6, 2006
in the Miami Herald

Stolen car hits FHP cruiser in Lauderdale

A teenager behind the wheel of a stolen car crashed into a Florida Highway Patrol car on Tuesday, leaving the FHP vehicle with $10,000 in damage.

The crash happened just before 6 p.m. on Northwest 11th Street near Northwest 23rd Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, according to FHP.

The 15-year-old driver from Plantation, and a passenger, Darren Fisher, 22, of Fort Lauderdale, were going east on 11th Street in a 1997 Mercury Sable when the teen lost control and crossed into the westbound lane, FHP said.

Why the teen lost control was unknown on Tuesday, FHP spokesman Sgt. Mark Wysocky said.

The Mercury crashed into the right front end of the FHP cruiser, a 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, FHP said. Trooper Tommie Robinson, 49, was driving.

Robinson was on duty at the time, Wysocky said.

''It was a pretty significant impact,'' Wysocky said.

The Mercury, which suffered $7,000 in damage, was reported stolen on Nov. 27, FHP said. Wysocky did not know from where on Tuesday.

Robinson was not hurt, but both people inside the Mercury were. Neither wore seat belts, according to FHP.

Both were taken to Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. The teen was treated for minor injuries and Fisher for serious injuries, FHP said.

The crash is being investigated. Charges are pending against the driver, Wysocky said.