Miami Springs

Miami Springs mother, son, survive canal plunge

 
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By Theo Karantsalis

Special to the Herald

A mom ticked off with her teen unwittingly hit the gas pedal — instead of the brakes — while pulling into a parking stall which launched the duo into a murky canal.

Maria Rivera, 50, of Miami, was attempting to park her 1996 Jeep Cherokee on Jan. 7 behind the Continental Springs Apartments along South Royal Poinciana Blvd. near Le Jeune Road in Miami Springs. She became agitated with her 15-year-old son after his first day back at school following a two-week holiday break.

The two argued before Rivera stomped on the gas pedal, according to a police report. Then they bounced over a parking barrier, smashed through a wood fence and got airborne.

Rivera told police that she tried to “stop” mid-air but was unable to do so because the front tires had already “gone over the canal bank.” There are no guardrails installed between the parking lot and the canal.

Both Rivera and Natta escaped unharmed from the Jeep after it partially submerged. The Jeep sustained $7,000 in damages.

Afterward, Rivera received a citation from the Miami Springs Police Department for careless driving.

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