Third Suspect Arrested in Miami-Dade Illegal Street Takeover That Left Three Pedestrians Seriously Injured

Law enforcement officials arrested a third suspect Monday in a sprawling investigation into unauthorized street takeovers across Miami-Dade County, including a particularly violent July 5 incident that left three pedestrians with serious injuries. Anthony Brandon Lamelas, 20, faces two counts of leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, according to an arrest report reviewed by Local 10 News on Tuesday. The arrest represents the third charged in connection with coordinated takeover activities throughout the county.

The incident unfolded approximately 3:30 a.m. on July 5 in the Gladview neighborhood near Northwest 25th Street and Northwest 76th Avenue. Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies and Doral police responded to reports of dozens of vehicles blocking the intersection while occupants executed “dangerous driving maneuvers, including drifting, donuts, and burnouts,” with fireworks discharged in multiple directions. As law enforcement arrived on scene, the crowd dispersed rapidly and multiple vehicles accelerated away at high speed.

During the ensuing chaos, three pedestrians were struck by fleeing vehicles. Surveillance footage captured two women crossing the roadway when struck by a black sedan traveling westbound; one reached safety while the second was thrown into the street and remained immobilized. The driver maneuvered around the injured woman and fled without assistance.

A man attempting to aid the injured woman was subsequently struck by a gold Ford Expedition, which continued westbound, ran over the woman still in the roadway, and departed without stopping. The first victim sustained multiple skull fractures, a cervical spine fracture, pelvic fracture and right femur fracture. A second victim suffered a fractured clavicle, while the third sustained a fractured hip along with cuts, bruising and road abrasion.

Detectives identified the gold Ford Expedition through witness statements, surveillance video analysis, license plate reader data and court-authorized cellphone records. The vehicle registered to Lamelas, and cell data placed his device at the location during the relevant timeframe. A deputy who observed the fleeing SUV provided a driver description after the operator lowered his window, made obscene gestures and directed derogatory remarks toward law enforcement, later identifying Lamelas through photographic lineup procedures.

Officers arrested Lamelas at his residence Monday. After receiving Miranda warnings, he invoked his right to silence and was booked into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. As of Tuesday morning, he remained incarcerated with bond status pending assignment.

Investigators previously arrested 22-year-old Damiean Alvarez, accused of participating in multiple street takeovers on July 5, including activities at Northwest 77th Court and 169th Street around 1:20 a.m. with approximately 50 to 60 vehicles present. Approximately two hours later, deputies observed Alvarez in the same blue Infiniti G35 performing donuts at Northwest 25th Street and 76th Avenue beneath the Palmetto Expressway with another large group blocking the intersection.

A third arrestee, 22-year-old Inaky Sesmas-Borrego, faces charges of coordinated drag racing on a highway. Alvarez and Sesmas-Borrego are no longer listed in Miami-Dade County jail records as of Tuesday.