Incident Overview

A chaotic incident unfolded on the iconic Ocean Drive in Miami Beach when a Tesla driver refused to stop for police, leading to a dramatic vehicle crash and subsequent arrest. The driver, identified as 42-year-old Davis Thomas, appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer to face charges related to the incident.

Details of the Arrest

Judge Glazer stated, “He fled and then crashed his car. There’s probable cause,” as she addressed Thomas during the hearing.

According to the police report, the events began when Miami Beach Police attempted to pull Thomas over for improperly driving in a bicycle lane. Although he momentarily halted the Tesla, he soon took off, accelerating recklessly along Ocean Drive.

Reckless Driving and Crash

The arrest report details that Thomas’s driving was erratic, characterized by screeching tires and high speeds, creating a significant risk for pedestrians and cyclists in the densely populated area. He ultimately lost control of the vehicle and collided with a parked Infiniti sedan, which sustained extensive damage.

Fortunately, aside from minor injuries to Thomas, no other individuals were reported injured during the incident.

Past Incidents

This type of vehicular chaos is not unprecedented on Ocean Drive. Earlier incidents included a dramatic wreck on June 23, 2023, where a fleeing driver crashed into barriers, and a motorcycle chase on July 10, 2023, which resulted in collisions with patrons enjoying dinner.

Legal Consequences

Following the incident, Thomas faced charges for fleeing and eluding police at high speed, which constitutes a third-degree felony. Judge Glazer set his bond at $2,500, allowing for his release shortly after.

“It’s fleeing and eluding at a high rate of speed,” Glazer noted, outlining the serious implications of his actions.