Palm Beach County State Attorney Alexcia Cox announces the arrests of seven West Palm Beach police officers involved in a deadly high-speed pursuit on July 30, 2024. The pursuit, which began in West Palm Beach, ended tragically when the pursued vehicle slammed into another car at a Boynton Beach intersection, killing two innocent women.

Following an extensive investigation by the State Attorney’s Public Corruption Unit, three officers — Austin B. Danielovich, Pierre F. Etienne, and Christopher C. Rekdahl — have been arrested on two counts of Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death, a first-degree felony, and one count of Official Misconduct, a third-degree felony. An additional four officers — Michael E. Borgen, William L. Loayza, Brandan C. Stedfelt, and Darien J. Thomas — have been arrested on one count of Official Misconduct.

“The police officers’ actions are a disturbing betrayal of the public trust,” State Attorney Cox said. “Law enforcement officers have a duty to the public they swore to uphold. No one is above the law, and this office will pursue justice wherever the facts and the law lead.”

Because this is now a pending criminal case, we will not make any further extra-judicial comments. We appreciate your understanding as the case proceeds through the criminal justice system.