New details have emerged about a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike South near Sunrise Boulevard that claimed the life of a 70-year-old driver described by authorities as an innocent victim.
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday when deputies assisted the Coconut Creek Police Department with a stolen vehicle reported out of Fort Lauderdale. The vehicle was identified as a white Ford F-250.
Authorities said deputies first became involved near Sample Road and the Florida Turnpike. Officers attempted a traffic stop in Deerfield Beach, but the driver allegedly refused to stop and struck marked patrol vehicles from both agencies. Investigators said the collision led to a pursuit on charges of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
The chase continued onto the southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the pursuit ended near Mile Marker 58 when the suspect crashed into a wall after colliding with a dark-colored sedan.
The driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as 52-year-old Anna Giza. She was transported by Tamarac Fire Rescue to Broward Health Medical Center and was later taken into custody.
Giza now faces multiple charges, including felony murder, grand theft auto, aggravated battery, and assault. Authorities say the investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing.