MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A Miami-Dade police officer who was accused of driving drunk in the Florida Keys two years ago was convicted by a jury Wednesday of a lesser charge.
Donovan William Rojas, 28, initially faces charges of fleeing and eluding, as well as DIO, following his arrest on June 12, 2022.
According to the Monroe County’s State Attorney’s Office, a jury in the Keys convicted Rojas of reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor.
In that incident, authorities said Rojas, while off-duty, was driving in a Chrysler 300 going north on US-1 near Mile Marker 101 at approximately 3:57 a.m.
Despite deputies activating their lights and sirens, authorities say Rojas did not stop and instead reached speeds greater than 110 mph.
The car also swerved and nearly hit other vehicles before finally coming to a stop near Mike Marker 105, deputies said.
Rojas identified himself as a Miami-Dade police officer and said the Chrysler was his unmarked agency vehicle, according to MCSO.
Deputies said Rojas had difficulty standing and appeared to be intoxicated.
Local 10 News obtained exclusive body camera video that showed an emotional Rojas crying in the back of a deputy’s vehicle just moments after his arrest.
“Call PBA please,” said Rojas while in the back of the vehicle. “I’m getting arrested for possibly DUI.”
Larry T. McMillan, Rojas’ attorney, released a statement Thursday on the jury’s ruling, which you can read here:
“There’s only one way in or out of the Keys. Any time a driver presents those types of risks to the community, it’s a concern for us. We are pleased the jury recognized some type of wrongfulness in his actions,” said Monroe County Assistant State Attorney Joe Mansfield.
Miami-Dade police told Local 10 News that Rojas remains suspended without pay and an internal affairs investigation remains ongoing.