Miami-Dade deputy leaves rehabilitation after Florida’s Turnpike crash, as criminal case continues against driver

Deputy released after weeks of hospital and rehabilitation care

A Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy has been released from a rehabilitation facility more than a month after suffering critical injuries in a Florida’s Turnpike crash in Doral, officials confirmed on Monday, February 2, 2026.

The deputy, Leonard Cantave, was injured on December 27, 2025, while assisting at the scene of an earlier traffic crash. He was airlifted to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital with critical injuries and later transferred to rehabilitation care. Officials said his recovery is expected to continue over an extended period.

What investigators say happened on December 27

The crash occurred in the morning hours along Florida’s Turnpike in the Doral area as Cantave responded to help manage a separate incident. Authorities said his marked patrol unit had emergency lights activated and was positioned to protect disabled vehicles and people on the roadway.

During the response, another vehicle struck Cantave while he was outside his patrol vehicle. Officials said the impact launched him into the air and caused severe trauma. Emergency crews transported him by helicopter for urgent treatment.

Officials described Cantave as being critically hurt at the scene, triggering an immediate airlift and emergency surgery during the initial phase of care.

Allegations against the driver and the status of the case

The driver accused of hitting Cantave, 28-year-old Lonnel Brinson Jr. of Miramar, was arrested after the incident. Authorities have said the case remains under investigation and that Brinson faces multiple charges, including reckless driving causing serious bodily injury.

Investigators have also described statements attributed to Brinson following the crash, including admissions of consuming marijuana and alcohol prior to driving, and have said the investigation included steps to obtain biological samples. Officials have additionally said Brinson’s driver’s license had been suspended multiple times for failure to pay traffic-related fines.

Officials highlight actions taken amid the roadside emergency

In public remarks about the incident and Cantave’s recovery, the sheriff described an account in which the deputy moved a Doral police officer out of danger in the moments surrounding the impact, a detail presented as a key factor in preventing further injuries at the scene.

Roadside risk for first responders remains central to the investigation’s context

The crash occurred during a multi-agency response involving the sheriff’s office, Florida Highway Patrol, and Doral Police, reflecting the high-risk environment of roadway emergencies where responders work near active traffic. The case continues to be handled as a serious injury investigation, with the deputy’s medical recovery and the court process moving on separate tracks.

• Date of crash: December 27, 2025

• Date of rehab release: February 2, 2026

• Location: Florida’s Turnpike in Doral, Miami-Dade County