A 28-year-old Miramar man has been arrested after allegedly striking a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy with his car during a roadside emergency on Florida’s Turnpike. Authorities say the deputy, Leonard Cantave, was critically injured in the early-morning crash but is now in stable condition following emergency surgery.
THIS JUST IN: Officials with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office announced an arrest Sunday after a Turnpike crash that left one of the agency’s deputies badly hurt on Saturday. They said the driver wasn’t even supposed to have been behind the wheel. https://t.co/gaKR1687wK
— WPLG Local 10 News (@WPLGLocal10) December 28, 2025
The incident occurred at around 7 a.m. on Saturday between Northwest 41st and 58th streets in Doral, where multiple law enforcement agencies were already on the scene responding to an earlier traffic collision. Several marked patrol vehicles and Road Rangers had their emergency lights activated and were positioned across lanes to protect motorists and first responders.
What Police Say Happened
According to an arrest affidavit, Deputy Cantave had exited his marked patrol vehicle to assist Florida Highway Patrol officers and to check on a driver involved in the initial crash. As he stood in the northbound express lanes, a 2019 Mazda CX-5 driven by Lonnel Duwayne Brinson Jr. approached the scene.
Deputy Leonard Cantave was assisting with an earlier crash when he was hit, police said
Investigators allege Brinson failed to slow down despite the clearly marked emergency vehicles and flashing lights. Instead, he swerved abruptly in an attempt to avoid Cantave’s parked cruiser, striking the deputy.
The impact was severe. Police said Cantave was “vaulted into the air,” flipping several times before sliding across all northbound lanes and coming to rest on the shoulder of the turnpike. Paramedics airlifted him to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he underwent surgery for multiple injuries across his body.
Driver’s Alleged Conduct
Authorities say Brinson remained at the scene after the crash and spoke with deputies. He allegedly admitted to consuming marijuana and alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel. Officers also reported that Brinson told them he had additional marijuana and a firearm inside his vehicle.
Two blood samples were taken to determine whether impairment played a role in the collision, with laboratory results pending. Police have not yet released any toxicology findings.
Investigators further allege that Brinson showed a “willful and wanton disregard for safety” by continuing through an active crash scene at speed, despite the presence of uniformed officers and emergency vehicles on the roadway.
Charges Filed
Brinson was arrested and booked into the Miami-Dade County jail on two main charges:
- Reckless driving causing serious bodily injury
- Knowingly driving with a suspended licence
Court records show he was later released on a US$5,000 bond on Sunday.
Licence Suspensions and Driving History
Police say Brinson should not have been driving at all. His Florida driver’s licence had been suspended five times for failure to pay traffic fines, with the most recent suspension issued on December 8, less than three weeks before the crash.
Broward County court records also show Brinson has previously faced at least three traffic infraction cases, including careless driving. He also has a pending matter for driving with an expired registration tag.
Investigators have cited this history as part of their case, alleging Brinson knowingly violated the law by operating a vehicle while his licence was not valid.
Deputy Cantave’s Condition
Deputy Leonard Cantave is a six-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and has served in South Florida law enforcement for two decades, having previously worked with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
After being airlifted to a hospital in critical condition, sheriff’s office officials said on Sunday that Cantave was now stable, though he remains under medical care following surgery for multiple injuries. The sheriff’s office said the agency was grateful for the outpouring of support and that his recovery is being closely monitored.
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What Happens Next
The case will now move through the Miami-Dade court system, where prosecutors are expected to rely on crash-scene evidence, witness statements, and pending toxicology results. If convicted, Brinson could face significant penalties given the seriousness of the injuries and the allegation that he was unlawfully driving at the time.
For now, authorities say their focus remains on Deputy Cantave’s recovery, while ensuring accountability for what they have described as a preventable and dangerous incident on one of South Florida’s busiest highways.
FAQs
- What happened on Florida’s Turnpike in Doral?
A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy was struck by a car while assisting with an earlier crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Doral on Saturday morning.
- Who was the deputy who was hit?
The deputy was Leonard Cantave, a veteran Miami-Dade law enforcement officer who was helping at the crash scene when he was struck.
- Who was driving the vehicle?
Police identified the driver as Lonnel Duwayne Brinson Jr., a 28-year-old man from Miramar, Florida.
- What was the driver charged with?
Brinson was charged with reckless driving, causing serious bodily injury, and knowingly driving with a suspended licence.
- Was the driver legally allowed to drive?
No. His licence had been suspended five times, including a recent suspension earlier this month for unpaid traffic fines.
- Were alcohol or drugs involved?
Police say the driver admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana before the crash. Blood samples were taken, and test results are pending.
- How badly was the deputy injured?
Deputy Cantave was critically injured and airlifted to the hospital, but officials later said he is now in stable condition.
- Did the driver try to flee the scene?
No. Authorities say the driver stayed at the scene and spoke with deputies after the crash.
- Where is the driver now?
Court records show Brinson was booked into jail and later released on a $5,000 bond.
- What happens next in the case?
The case will proceed through the Miami-Dade court system as prosecutors review crash evidence and toxicology results.
