A high-speed police pursuit through Miami ended in a spectacular explosion after the driver of a stolen £320,000 Ferrari lost control and smashed into a utility pole.
Dramatic Pursuit and Explosive Finale
The incident began in the early hours of December 16 when Deshawn Prendergast, 28, allegedly took the luxury vehicle for a joyride across southern Miami. Alarming footage shows the grey Ferrari, a 2024 Purosangue model, speeding down North Meridian Avenue while weaving between Miami Police cars.
With lights and sirens blaring behind him, the suspect's vehicle careened into the side of a police cruiser, causing him to lose control. The sports car spun violently, colliding with an electrical pole. The impact brought down a large wooden post, which crashed onto the Ferrari and pierced through its window.
The collision triggered a significant explosion, with reports indicating it caused a power outage in the city's Brickell neighbourhood.
Miraculous Escape and Arrest
Incredibly, despite the violent crash and ensuing fireball, Prendergast emerged with only minor injuries. He attempted to flee the scene on foot, hiding in a nearby apartment complex, but surrendered to Miami police shortly afterwards.
He was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor lacerations before being booked into Miami-Dade county jail. Prendergast now faces charges of grand theft of a vehicle and fleeing and eluding police officers.
Miami Police spokesperson Kiara Delva expressed relief that the situation did not turn more tragic. "This could have taken a very tragic turn, so we're very thankful that this subject was ultimately apprehended, and we can now charge him accordingly," she told local media.
Stolen Supercars and Police Recovery
The vehicle's owner, an unnamed Miami Beach resident, had arranged for the Ferrari to be collected for a wrapping appointment on December 15, along with her 2025 Rolls Royce. Neither car arrived at their destination, and her calls to the transport company went unanswered.
She reported the $400,000 Ferrari missing to police at 5:30 pm that same evening. Using the car's tracking system, she was able to provide police with its location. Officers reportedly observed Prendergast getting into the stolen Ferrari before he sped away, initiating the chase.
Police later recovered the Rolls Royce at an undisclosed location in Miami-Dade county. The mangled, totalled Ferrari was towed from the crash scene.
Witnesses described the astonishing spectacle, with many residents filming the pursuit from their balconies. Michael Severino watched from his 25th-floor apartment. "I was just recording some reels for my Instagram and next thing you know, I see a whole police chase," he explained. "I see the Ferrari turn right here on this street and he collides with the cop and started drifting and lost control and crashed into a light pole."
Prendergast appeared in court on December 17 after posting bond and was released from custody. Fortunately, no bystanders were injured in the dramatic collision.
