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Coral Gables Police have identified and charged armed robbery suspect Kenneth Maurice Smith, 20, who attempted an escape that led police on a two-hour chase that close U.S. 1 Sunday night.
Smith is charged with armed robbery, attempted burglary to a residence, and resisting police without violence.
The northbound lanes of South Dixie Highway were closed for hours as police set up a perimeter from Augusto Street to Mariposa Avenue, according to a report by the Miami Herald. Their force was also equipped with K-9s patrolling the streets and a helicopter searching overhead.
Hours before the U.S. 1 traffic nightmare, Smith held a victim at gunpoint near 1100 Madruga Ave. A confrontation led to the victim chasing Smith on foot, the Herald said.
Smith fled from police and led them on a two-hour car chase near the University of Miami.
At 10 p.m., cops nabbed him under the back-yard deck of a Madruga Avenue home, not far from where the initial incident had occurred. The homeowner tipped off police.
Police said Smith also tried to break into another home in the neighborhood while attempting escape. After searching the area, they discovered a handgun.
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