AVENTURA, Fla. (WSVN) — Authorities are investigating after, they said, a North Miami Police officer was struck by the driver of a stolen car near a school in Northeast Miami-Dade, prompting the officer to open fire on the subject, Friday afternoon.
Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue responded to the scene near the Linda Lentin K-8 Center, in the area of Northeast 143rd Street and Second Court, just before 5 p.m.
According to investigators, a North Miami Police officer approached two people in a stolen Nissan sedan. “The subjects attempted to flee from the officer, at which point he was struck by the car and he did fire at the vehicle, shooting the driver,” said North Miami Police Officer Brigetta Pace.
Witnesses told 7News they heard about six shots. “I saw someone running, and all I just heard was just gunshots,” said witness Manley Guirana.
“No, I heard the shots and I ran. That was a wrap,” said witness Cleft Librun.
Cellphone video captured police arriving at the scene.
7Skyforce hovered above the scene as paramedics treated the driver of the stolen car. Officials confirmed he sustained a gunshot wound to the arm, but the officer was not shot.
The passenger in the Nissan was taken into custody.
Linda Lentin K-8 Center was placed on lockdown for its after-school students as a result of the shooting. “I want to know what’s going on, you know? My daughter’s inside, and they won’t let us go,” said concerned mother Tiffany Richardson. “They say everything’s OK, so I’m trying to remain calm.”
Both men who were injured were transported to Aventura Hospital, where they are listed in good condition. They are both expected to survive.
Police blocked several blocks of Northeast Second Court as they investigated.
The schoolchildren were released to their parents once the lockdown was lifted.
Meanwhile, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement was called in to take over the investigation
Members of North Miami Police Department were spotted at Aventura hospital, Friday evening.
There is no word on the charges the subjects may be facing.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.