SUNRISE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police said the teenage sister of the suspect in the murder of Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino stole the gun that was used in the shooting.
7News cameras captured 17-year-old Katherine Banegas in handcuffs as she was led into the Lauderhill Police Department, where she was questioned, late Friday night.
State and federal law enforcement officials arrested Banegas at a Walmart location in Sunrise.
Police said the teen was picked up on outstanding warrants, including strong-arm robbery.
Investigators said Banegas was questioned on suspicion she stole the firearm used in the fatal shooting of Chirino in Hollywood’s Emerald Hills neighborhood, Oct 17.
Detectives said she stole the gun from the parking lot of a gas station in Northwest Miami-Dade.
The owner reported the gun stolen to police back in September.
At the time of the shooting, officers were responding to car break-ins.
An area resident called 911.
“Hi. It’s not exactly an emergency. There’s some kid riding around on a bicycle trying to break into cars,” she told the dispatcher.
Police said Chrinino responded, and a struggle ensued between the accused shooter and the officer.
Investigators said the suspect, who had only been out of jail for 30 days, told Chirino he was trying to shoot himself.
The gun went off, striking Chirino, detectives said.
Chirino was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital where he later died. He was 28 years old.
“By far one of the darkest days in our police department,” said Hollywood Police Chied Chris O’Brien.
According to authorities, during Katherine Banegas’ questioning, she said she wished she could take everything back.
Her brother faces a list of charges, including felony murder.
Meanwhile, the accused gunman’s sister faces a grand theft of a firearm charge.
Her name was called in court but she did not appear. She will be held in a secure detention center and will be back in court in about two weeks.
The public was welcome to pay respects to Chirino at a viewing held Sunday afternoon at Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes.
His funeral was held Monday morning at the FLA Live Arena in Sunrise.
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