Tamarac Auto-Theft Operation Leads to Cemetery Chase, Stolen Gun With Machine Gun ‘Switch’

by Ryan Yousefi August 18, 2026

14Shares

Tamarac Auto-Theft Operation Leads to Cemetery Chase, Stolen Gun With Machine Gun ‘Switch’ 4

Randerick William Brown {BSO}

A Tamarac undercover auto-theft operation led to a cemetery chase, 19 charges and the discovery of an alleged homemade machine gun.

According to a Broward County Sheriff’s Office arrest report, Randerick William Brown, of Lauderhill, was arrested August 13 after deputies reportedly spotted a suspicious vehicle while working a proactive operation to combat a recent increase in auto thefts and vehicle burglaries.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the detective was driving an unmarked BSO vehicle when he saw the Honda turn into the apartment complex. The Honda allegedly stopped and changed direction after apparently noticing the detective’s vehicle, then continued north on Rock Island Road.

When the detective pulled out onto Rock Island Road, the driver allegedly hit the brakes, pulled behind the detective, and made a U-turn. The detective also noted that deputies had issued a be-on-the-lookout alert for a Honda of the same make, model, and color that had reportedly fled from law enforcement in Dania Beach.

Records show the chase continued into North Lauderdale and entered Bailey Memorial Cemetery at 7801 Bailey Road. Investigators said the Honda drove to the far northwest corner of the cemetery and parked.

Deputies continued following the Honda as it eventually entered the Somerset Apartments near Northwest 31st Avenue and Somerset Drive in Lauderdale Lakes.

The detective activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop. Brown allegedly exited the driver’s seat and began running toward the apartment buildings.

According to the affidavit, the detective chased Brown on foot and repeatedly ordered him to stop, warning him that his police K-9 would bite him if he did not surrender.

Brown allegedly continued running while repeatedly looking over his shoulder before tripping in a grassy area, allowing the detective to take him into custody.

After being detained, Brown allegedly told the detective, “I got a gun.”

Deputies said they found a Glock 19 Gen 5 in Brown’s front sweater pocket. Investigators said the handgun had a metal “switch” installed on it, a machine gun conversion device capable of converting a semiautomatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm.

A records check revealed the Glock had been reported stolen during a vehicle burglary in Broward County, according to the affidavit. Investigators said the same burglary also involved a stolen 30-round extended magazine.

A search of the Honda allegedly uncovered another 30-round Glock magazine that had been reported stolen in the same case.

Brown was transported to the BSO Main Jail following his arrest.

Got News? Send it to Tamarac Talk. Don’t Miss Reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Margate Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, Parkland Talk, and Sunrise FL Talk.

Author Profile

Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.