Armed Porsche driver charged after chasing off-duty officer, Coral Springs cops say
A two-car collision in Coral Springs turned into a high-speed chase, as an off-duty law enforcement officer was allegedly pursued by the driver of a silver 2018 Porsche, authorities said.
Harold A. Zamorano Jr., 27, now faces two felonies among four charges in the case, according to the Coral Springs Police Department.
While driving to his home on Saturday, Feb. 21, in Coral Springs in his unmarked police vehicle, a black Chevrolet Tahoe, the off-duty officer told police that he saw a silver Porsche driving erratically in Tamarac along Pine Island Road.
As the drivers continued into Coral Springs, the officer told police he saw the Porsche strike a white SUV near NW Sixth Street and Coral Springs Drive.
When he made a U-turn to investigate the collision, the off-duty officer alleges that the Porsche driver abruptly turned his vehicle around and accelerated toward the officer, seemingly in an attempt to strike him, records show.
According to Zamorano’s arrest report, a 70-mph chase ensued on W. Atlantic Boulevard, with the Porsche following the Chevrolet and allegedly attempting to hit it from behind at least two times.
The off-duty officer then used his Fort Lauderdale Police Department radio to call for assistance, as he felt his life may be in danger. He proceeded toward Coral Springs Police Department headquarters, with the Porsche still in pursuit down Coral Ridge Drive, Royal Palm Boulevard and Coral Springs Drive.
The two reached police headquarters soon after, and Zamorano was arrested without further incident, according to his arrest report.
Investigators said they found a black Smith & Wesson pistol underneath the driver’s seat of the Porsche.
Zamorano is charged with two felonies: aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, and use or display of a firearm while committing a crime. He also faces charges for reckless driving and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage.
According to court records, he is pleading not guilty and will proceed with a jury trial.
