FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Authorities are delving deeper into a harrowing incident involving a police officer and a pedestrian who were seriously injured after a driver allegedly targeted them in an unprovoked attack. The officer, a 20-year veteran of the force, and the female pedestrian were rushed to Broward Health Medical Center following the incident. Both are reported to be in stable condition, though the officer sustained multiple serious injuries.
Terrence Eugene Powell Jr., 27, now finds himself behind bars, facing charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer. During a court appearance, Powell was visibly agitated, questioning the absence of his personal attorney. The charges stem from a troubling series of events that unfolded Tuesday night on the 2300 block of University Drive.
According to police reports, Powell allegedly rammed his vehicle into a Lauderhill police officer’s cruiser twice. The officer, responding to the collision by activating his emergency lights and stepping out of his vehicle, was approached by a female witness who had stopped to offer assistance. In a chilling sequence captured on dashcam, Powell is seen accelerating his blue Nissan Rogue towards them, striking both the officer and the woman.
Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic and terrifying, with Powell reversing and charging at the officer multiple times. In a final attempt, Powell narrowly missed the officer before fleeing the scene. Police apprehended him shortly after, approximately four miles away in Plantation.
The officer, whose identity remains undisclosed out of respect, suffered severe injuries, including broken bones and extensive road rash. Jeff Skirvin, president of the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, expressed relief that the officer survived, describing the incident as a random and vicious attack. He urged the community to support the officer and his family during their recovery.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, which has left the community shaken. Powell is scheduled for another court appearance soon, as the legal process unfolds.
The Lauderhill Police Department has refrained from releasing the names of the victims, citing privacy concerns. As the officer embarks on a long road to recovery, the incident has sparked discussions about the dangers law enforcement officers face daily.