The Florida Highway Patrol has released dramatic dashcam video from the cruiser of a trooper who was hit on the Turnpike near Doral.
Trooper Vanessa Franceschi was on the side of the road conducting a traffic stop back in April when officials say she was targeted.
Her cruiser was hit from behind.She quickly gassed it and followed speeding Honda Civic in rush-hour traffic on the Turnpike's shoulder, on side streets and back on the highway.
Franceschi eventually conducted a pit-maneuver ending the chase near Southwest 8th Street.
She suffered minor injuries and the driver was charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, felony fleeing and eluding and hit and run with injuries.
“This suspect’s actions were cowardly and Trooper Franceschi’s quick and courageous actions exemplify the best of the Florida Highway Patrol and all law enforcement officers,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “That she was targeted because she is a law enforcement officer is outrageous and we must continue to support our brave heroes by letting them know malicious attacks against law enforcement will not be tolerated in our communities.”