Plantation, FL (February 28, 2026) – A 70-year-old woman was killed Thursday morning after a stolen truck fleeing law enforcement crashed into her vehicle on the Florida Turnpike in Plantation.
According to the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the pursuit began more than 10 miles north of the crash site after a suspect allegedly stole a truck in Fort Lauderdale. Authorities said the vehicle was equipped with a tracking device, which assisted deputies in locating it.
Investigators reported that the suspect, identified as Anna Giza, failed to stop for law enforcement, initiating a pursuit that continued southbound. At one point during the incident, officials said the stolen truck struck two parked law enforcement vehicles after being temporarily stopped.
The pursuit ultimately moved onto the Florida Turnpike near Sunrise Boulevard in Plantation. Authorities said deputies performed a PIT maneuver in an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle.
Before the truck came to a complete stop, it crashed into a black Nissan Altima. The driver of the Altima, identified by friends as Bonnie Bouffard, was killed in the collision.
The suspect was taken into custody following the collision. Authorities have not released additional details regarding charges at this time. The incident remains under investigation.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Bonnie Bouffard during this tragic time.
High-Speed Police Pursuits Significantly Increase Risk to Uninvolved Drivers
Police pursuits involving stolen vehicles present heightened risks to uninvolved motorists, particularly when chases extend onto major highways. Roadways such as the Florida Turnpike carry steady traffic flow, and fleeing drivers may engage in erratic maneuvers to evade capture.
Even when law enforcement deploys controlled intervention tactics, such as a PIT maneuver, surrounding traffic can be exposed to sudden and unpredictable vehicle movements. A fleeing driver’s loss of control, abrupt lane changes, or failure to brake appropriately can lead to secondary collisions involving innocent motorists.
Investigations into fatal pursuit-related crashes typically examine the duration of the chase, vehicle speeds, traffic density, law enforcement tactics used, and the suspect’s driving behavior. Agencies also review body camera footage, dash camera recordings, and available tracking data.
Safety experts consistently note that high-speed pursuits create complex risk calculations for law enforcement agencies. Balancing public safety with the need to apprehend suspects remains a critical component of departmental policy review following fatal incidents.
