WSVN — 7News has learned of two law enforcement investigations centered around one question: Did corrections officers refuse to help police officers when a combative prisoner tried to escape a Miami-Dade County jail? Investigative reporter Carmel Cafiero is on the case with the exclusive.
According to his arrest report, 32-year-old Johnny Gomez was wearing only underwear at a Northwest Miami-Dade gas station when he was busted for DUI last month. But when Miami-Dade Police officers brought Gomez to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade, they say the routine arrest became anything but routine.
Gomez reportedly became "combative," and when police officers needed help from corrections officers, they didn’t get it.
7News has obtained a Miami-Dade Police incident report. It indicates Gomez became "extremely irate" and "agitated" during processing and "struck" an officer in the chest as he tried to "escape from the facility."
Instead of helping, the police officer reported a corrections officer yelled, "We can’t put our hands on him because he’s not in our custody. He’s all yours!"
The report goes on to state Gomez "continued pushing" the officer and got out of the building and into an outdoor holding area. The officer’s partner, who was outside, saw what was happening and rushed to help, but he was also hit in the chest by Gomez.
According to the report, corrections personnel stayed inside and even closed the door, separating them from the struggling police officers.
The officers called for emergency backup "because the correctional officers on site refused to help." More police officers arrived, and Gomez was restrained.
Miami-Dade Corrections and Rehabilitation turned down our request for an interview citing an active investigation, but sent 7News a statement.
In part, it reads: "MDCR continues to support our law enforcement partners and will always provide immediate assistance or backup in any situation. We stand by our reputation of professionalism and commitment to keeping the community safe."
Miami-Dade Police is also investigating and also turned down our request for an interview.
Mayor Carlos Gimenez says he’s waiting to see what the investigations reveal.
Mayor Carlos Gimenez: "I’m aware of the incident, but the two agencies are looking at it from their perspective in terms of were the officers each respective officers, if they cooperated with each other or not, and the extent of this disagreement."
Meanwhile, Gomez is charged with DUI, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest with violence. He has pleaded not guilty.
7News requested for police radio calls and surveillance video in this case and were denied.
Carmel Cafiero, 7News.
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