by Fort Lauderdale, FL – A kidnapping in Florida led to a dramatic multi-city police chase and the arrest of five suspects, authorities reported. The incident occurred on Thursday, November 15, just before 1:30 p.m., at a McDonald’s in Davie, approximately 10 miles outside Fort Lauderdale.
According to the Davie Police Department (DPD), a group of suspects allegedly approached a victim inside the restaurant, stole his cell phone, and instructed him to enter their vehicle if he wanted the phone returned. The victim complied but was later taken to the 700 block of Northwest 9th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, where the suspects allegedly forced him out of the vehicle and struck him.
The victim managed to escape the scene and contacted 911, alerting authorities to the kidnapping.
“He fled, stopped a person in the area and called 911 to report that he was kidnapped from Davie,” a DPD spokesperson told WPLG.
Police Pursuit Across Multiple Cities
After the 911 call, police from neighboring cities were notified, and Fort Lauderdale Police used GPS tracking from the victim’s phone to locate the suspects’ vehicle. The chase involved officers from Davie, Fort Lauderdale, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office, following the suspects to Pompano Beach.
During the pursuit, a white SUV crashed into a pole, forcing the suspects to flee on foot. Video footage captured armed officers swarming an apartment building across from the crash site, securing the area and taking suspects into custody.
Suspects Taken Into Custody
Three adults were arrested: 30-year-old Tracey Ross, 18-year-old Lamar Perry, and 18-year-old Timothy Brown. Two minors were also taken into custody and transported to the county’s juvenile assessment center.
Tracey Ross faces charges including kidnapping, inflicting bodily harm or terrorizing a victim, fleeing at high speed, and resisting an officer. Lamar Perry was charged with kidnapping, inflicting bodily harm, grand theft motor vehicle, resisting an officer, possession of a firearm by a minor, and burglary. Timothy Brown was charged with kidnapping and inflicting bodily harm, though his exact role in the incident remains under investigation.
Family Reactions in Court
Several family members of the suspects spoke during court proceedings. Timothy Brown’s mother expressed shock at her son’s involvement:
“I’ve never seen my son get in trouble or do anything like this. I don’t know who he was with and what happened. So, I’m still in shock,” she told WPLG.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the case and are working to determine whether additional suspects or victims may be involved. Police are urging anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
Public Safety Reminder
The DPD and neighboring law enforcement agencies remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Incidents such as this highlight the importance of community awareness and prompt reporting in resolving serious crimes like kidnapping.
Share Your Thoughts: Were you in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, or Pompano Beach during the incident? Comment below to share your perspective and experiences related to this dramatic kidnapping and police pursuit.
