A Lauderhill police officer and a woman were injured in what police are calling a violent hit-and-run attack in Sunrise.
Now, those in law enforcement are expressing concern.
Rod Skirvin, president of the Broward Police Benevolent Association, said the officer, who has multiple injuries, could have been killed.
“The officer experienced extensive injuries in this incident. He has several broken bones and severe road rash and abrasions all over his body. He is in very serious condition at this time,” Skirvin.
Police officer intentionally struck, witnesses say
The incident happened around 5:35 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the 8200 block of Sunset Strip.
Witnesses said the driver appeared to deliberately target the officer, striking him multiple times before fleeing the scene. They said that the driver had initially pulled into a parking lot, gotten out of the vehicle and spoken with a woman before suddenly accelerating and striking both victims.
The video shows the driver circling back and hitting the officer again, then reversing to strike him a third time.
Police said the officer had been investigating a crime when the attack happened.
Skirvin said the officer has a shattered pelvis and two broken legs and would probably remain at Broward Health Medical Center for another week.
“I think he intentionally tried to kill that officer and the fact that he hit him multiple times goes along with that. It’s upsetting not only to him but to his family and the entire law enforcement community that has seen the video from this horrific incident,” Skirvin said ”
Law enforcement face danger daily
Skirvin described him as a “senior officer who has family.” He said this is an example of the danger law enforcement faces every day.
“This incident was obviously life threatening to this officer and it goes to show the dangers on a day to day basis that officers in this county and this state and across the nation face just by doing their jobs. When they wake up and go out their door in the morning, they never know if they will return to their families at night.”
The officer’s name has not been released.
Sunrise Police have not released the woman’s condition. However, they did say she was conscious and alert.
Suspect caught after fleeing scene
After the attack, the driver fled, but police quickly located the vehicle and took the suspect into custody.
After the attack, the driver fled, but police quickly located the vehicle and took the suspect into custody. He’s been identified as 27-year-old Terence Powell Jr. from Miami Gardens.
Powell has been charged with attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, attempted murder, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
