Police Cruiser Hits Suspect Fleeing in Dramatic South Beach Incident

Ninth Street and Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA - On June 14, 2025, South Beach found itself at the center of a troubling incident involving police and a suspect in a sexual battery case. The man in question, 30-year-old Jeremey Stafford, was outside the Chesterfield Hotel when his behavior caught the eyes of law enforcement. According to Local 10, Stafford had been drinking cognac and reportedly threatened police officers before he made a desperate bid to evade capture.

The chase unfolded in the early hours, around 6:55 a.m., at the busy intersection of Ninth Street and Collins Avenue. As officers attempted to apprehend him, Stafford fled into the street, prompting an officer to deploy a Taser. The Taser, however, failed to subdue him. In a dramatic twist, video footage documented a marked police vehicle hitting Stafford as he crossed the road. Multiple officers quickly descended on the scene, and Miami Beach fire rescue personnel were summoned. Ultimately, Stafford found himself booked at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center later that day, facing numerous charges including battery on a police officer and resisting arrest with violence.

The Taser Debate

This incident raises questions about the use of Tasers in law enforcement, especially given the growing concern over excessive force. In a notable case from 2014 in Independence, Missouri, Officer Timothy Runnels faced serious repercussions for his use of a Taser on 17-year-old Bryce Masters. As detailed by Police1, Runnels‘ actions resulted in lasting damage to Masters, including a disrupted heartbeat leading to cardiac arrest. A jury found Runnels liable for excessive force, awarding Masters $5 million in compensatory damages and additional punitive compensation.

Several precedents have been set regarding the use of Tasers, influencing discussions around legal liability and police accountability. For instance, in another case reviewed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a plaintiff named Jorden Brown alleged that Officer Samuel Giles unnecessarily Tasered him while fleeing. However, Justia noted that the court ruled against Brown, stating that the use of force was not deemed excessive in his pursuit. Such outcomes indicate the complexities of policing, particularly concerning the use of Tasers in high-stress situations.

As the community reflects on these events, the call for clear policies and training around the deployment of force grows increasingly urgent. The incident involving Stafford isn’t just about one man’s actions; it concerns the principles of accountability, safety, and effective law enforcement practices. How law enforcement agencies across the state navigate these issues in the future could significantly impact public trust and community relations.

In South Beach, as the sun casts its glorious rays, questions linger: Are we doing enough to prevent unnecessary force? How can we ensure that our law enforcement acts responsibly and ethically at all times? With rising awareness and legal scrutiny, the conversation is just beginning.