Published: February 25, 2026 at 1:07 PM
Man charged with striking Miami-Dade deputy on Florida Turnpike appears virtually before judge
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — Deputy Leonard Cantave, a six-year law enforcement veteran with Miami-Dade County, was wheeled into a courtroom as the man accused of crashing into him was set to be arraigned.
The crash happened in December on the Florida Turnpike in Doral as Cantave was assisting Highway Patrol with another crash.
Records say 28-year-old Lonell Brinson Jr. of Miramar hit deputy Cantave with his Mazda CX-5, critically injuring him.
Wednesday morning, Cantave’s fellow Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies filled the courtroom in a show of support.
Arrest records show Brinson admitted to “consuming marijuana and alcoholic beverages” before the crash and told deputies he had more marijuana and a gun inside his car.
Brinson appeared virtually as prosecutors read his felony charges, including reckless driving, DUI, and knowingly driving with a suspended license.
The state then requested Brinson turn himself in to appear before a judge in person.
🏠 News From Your Neighborhood
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
Saira Anwer