1 Dead, Woman Arrested After Police Chase Ends in Fatal Turnpike Crash in Broward County

A high-speed police pursuit involving a stolen vehicle ended in tragedy Thursday afternoon on Florida’s Turnpike in Broward County, leaving one person dead and a woman facing multiple serious felony charges.

Authorities say the crash occurred after a dangerous chain of events that began with a stolen vehicle investigation and escalated into a multi-agency pursuit across Broward County.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies were assisting Coconut Creek Police with a stolen pickup truck investigation originating in Fort Lauderdale.

Shortly after 4 p.m., authorities say the driver of the stolen Ford pickup:

• Struck a marked Broward Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle
• Then struck a marked Coconut Creek Police unit
• Fled the scene and entered southbound Florida’s Turnpike near Sample Road

Both law enforcement officers whose vehicles were hit were transported to area hospitals with injuries not considered life-threatening.

Law enforcement initiated a pursuit as the suspect continued southbound on the Turnpike.

Pursuit Ends in Deadly Crash on Florida’s Turnpike

Florida Highway Patrol troopers joined the pursuit on the Turnpike. The chase ultimately ended in a violent crash near mile marker 58, where:

• A sedan was left crushed in the roadway
• The stolen white Ford F-250 slammed into a concrete barrier
• Debris and twisted metal were scattered across the highway

One person was killed in the crash. Authorities have not yet publicly released the identity of the deceased.

The suspect driver was injured in the crash and transported to a hospital before being taken into custody.

Suspect Identified and Facing Multiple Felony Charges

Authorities identified the suspect as 52-year-old Anna Giza.

She now faces numerous serious charges, including:

• Murder while engaged in a felony
• Aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer
• Aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer
• Aggravated fleeing with serious injury or death
• Grand theft auto
• Resisting an officer without violence

Investigators allege that her actions during the pursuit directly resulted in the fatal crash.

Major Traffic Disruptions Across Broward County

The fatal crash forced authorities to shut down all southbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike from Sunrise Boulevard to Interstate 595 for several hours.

The closure caused:

• Miles of traffic backups
• Heavy congestion on surrounding highways and local roads
• Extended delays for evening commuters

All lanes have since reopened.

Legal Implications of Police Pursuit Crashes in Florida

Crashes resulting from police pursuits can raise complex legal questions, particularly when innocent drivers or passengers are injured or killed.

Depending on the findings of the investigation, potential liability in pursuit-related crashes may involve:

• The fleeing suspect driver
• Vehicle owners who negligently allowed access to a stolen vehicle
• Additional drivers whose actions contributed to the crash
• In limited circumstances, questions surrounding pursuit procedures

When a fleeing driver causes a fatal crash, surviving family members of victims may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Compensation in these cases can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Authorities continue to investigate the fatal Turnpike crash and pursuit. Additional details may be released as detectives and crash reconstruction experts review evidence and determine the full sequence of events.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Broward Sheriff’s Office or Florida Highway Patrol.