North Miami, Florida — A 28-year-old man with a driving record showing 17 license suspensions was arrested early Friday after police said he crashed into a local bar and grill, injured multiple people and fled the scene.
Dontral Jackson was taken into custody shortly before 2 a.m. Friday after North Miami police officers stopped a white Chevrolet Malibu near Northwest 119th Street and Seventh Avenue, according to his arrest report.
Investigators said the arrest followed reports from people who flagged down an officer on routine patrol and described a vehicle that had left the scene of a crash at Makana Kava Bar & Hawaiian Kitchen, located at 12009 NW Seventh Ave.
Police Locate Suspect After Restaurant Crash
According to the arrest report, officers later spotted Jackson driving away from the area and pulled him over.
Jackson, who lives in Miami’s Spring Garden neighborhood, was identified as the driver allegedly responsible for the incident, police said.
A witness who had come out of the restaurant also reportedly saw Jackson behind the wheel and attempted to get him to stop. Authorities said a victim later identified Jackson as the driver involved in the crash.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain unclear based on the details provided in the arrest report. Investigators also did not specify how the vehicle entered the restaurant or the extent of the damage.
Driving Record Shows 17 License Suspensions
One of the key details in the case emerged when police reviewed Jackson’s driving history.
The records showed that his Florida driving privileges had been suspended 17 times, according to the arrest report.
His most recent suspension reportedly took effect on June 15 and was related to a criminal failure to pay.
Driving with a suspended license can carry legal consequences in Florida, with the specific penalties depending on the circumstances and the driver’s record. In Jackson’s case, authorities included a charge alleging that he knowingly drove while his license was suspended.
The reported history of repeated suspensions is a significant detail in the investigation, although the arrest report does not establish why each of the earlier suspensions occurred.
Charges Filed Against Dontral Jackson
Jackson faces one count of leaving the scene of a crash involving no serious injury and one count of knowingly driving with a suspended license, according to records.
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Despite reports that multiple people were injured, the arrest report did not specify the exact number of victims. It also did not indicate whether anyone was taken to a hospital.
The available information does not clarify whether additional charges could be filed as investigators review the circumstances of the crash.
What Happens Next?
As of Friday, Jackson was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County. His bond was listed as “to be set,” according to the records.
Further details about the victims’ conditions, the extent of the restaurant’s damage and the next steps in the case were not included in the arrest report.
The allegations against Jackson remain part of a criminal case, and the charges do not by themselves establish guilt.
What do you think should happen when drivers repeatedly have their licenses suspended but continue driving? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
