SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are investigating a carjacking that took place in Florida City and ended in South Miami-Dade following a pursuit.
Florida City Police officers responded to a carjacking along Southwest Sixth Avenue and West Palm Drive just before 8 a.m., Thursday.
According to Homestead Police, the carjacking suspect fired a shot at the victim outside of Dollar General in Florida City, but the victim was not hit.
One man who spoke on condition of anonymity said he watched the events unfold. He said he was riding his bicycle on the sidewalk when a man ran past him in a panic.
“We didn’t know what was going on, but he came through real fast,” he said. “I see him running through real fast. We hear two gunshots, so we started ducking and running for cover.”
Homestead Police officers then located the stolen vehicle and gave chase.
The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Raul Perez, crashed into two other vehicles along Southwest 187th Avenue and Eighth Street in South Miami-Dade.
Chloe Blocher was getting ready for work when she heard a crash outside of her home.
“It was very scary,” she said. “I ran to my bedroom window and looked out and saw cops with their guns drawn. I immediately told my daughter, ‘Get down.’ I didn’t know what was happening.”
A woman was driving a silver SUV carrying her two young children when she was involved in a crash with the suspected carjacker.
“I see the lady coming, crawling with her kids, so I run out, and I’m like, ‘In the house! Get in the house!'” Blocher said. “She was very shaken up.”
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews responded to the scene and treated the woman there, while Perez and another victim, who was driving a black car, were airlifted to Jackson South Medical Center. Perez is listed in extremely critical condition while the other victim is listed in good condition.
The victim of the carjacking spoke to 7News off camera and identified the crashed red car as his.
Investigators recovered a gun at the scene.
Homestead Public Service crews responded to the scene to repair a damaged power pole and downed power lines.
Florida City Police will continue to investigate the carjacking, while Homestead Police will investigate the pursuit and crash.
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