Hit-and-run suspect arrested following multi-county chase

PLANTATION, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have arrested a man who led them on a chase through three counties.

The chase started after Miami-Dade Police say Thomas Richmond Baldwin, 30, was involved in a car accident at NW 117 St. and 7th Ave. A Public Service Aid was attempting to run the tag of the stolen, silver Lexus when Baldwin decided to flee, nearly hitting the PSA's car.

Police began the pursuit northbound on Interstate 95. When Baldwin crossed into Broward County, Miami-Dade police stopped their pursuit. As TV crews followed the car via helicopters and Broward Sheriff's Deputies observed the driver at a safe distance, the driver crossed into Boca Raton in West Palm Beach.

Baldwin made a U-turn and then headed back south. Florida Highway Patrol took over the chase when the subject got onto the Florida Turnpike and headed northbound. He exited onto Sunrise Boulevard and made multiple turns through residential streets and headed east on Sunrise Boulevard before Plantation police cornered him on the 2100 block of North University Drive.

Police have charged Baldwin with grand theft auto, possession of a stolen tag, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and reckless driving. Police also say Baldwin is a habitual traffic offender.

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