Driver arrested after car breaks in half – NBC 6 South Florida

A driver has been arrested after a horrific crash in Cooper City early Saturday morning cut a car in half and killed his passenger.

According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred at the corner of Sheridan Street and N University Drive.

Before Sunday’s bail hearing, prosecutors claimed the driver, identified as Ivan Billie Jr., had a blood alcohol level of .239 and gave police officers inconsistent statements about the accident.

A witness also claimed that 25-year-old Billie was traveling at speeds of up to 305 km/h before the impact. Police have not confirmed these reports.

The suspect attempted to swerve to avoid another car, lost control, crossed into the center line and struck a tree, investigators said. The car continued to slide, struck a second tree and then a concrete post, which was knocked over.

“At the scene, officers found the car split in half,” the sheriff’s office said. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The westbound and eastbound lanes of Sheridan Street between Pine Island Road and University Drive were closed for several hours due to the investigation of the traffic accident.

Pembroke Pines Police were the first to respond to the incident, but later announced that the Broward County Sheriff’s Office would take over the lead of the investigation.

Billie faces a long list of charges, including vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of alcohol causing death.

This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.