NORTH MIAMI, FLA. (WSVN) - Police fatally gunned down a shotgun-wielding man near North Miami, ending a brief standoff that sent one officer to the hospital, authorities said.
North Miami Police units responded to reports of an armed man in a bulletproof vest walking along the sidewalk near Northeast 119th Street and West Dixie Highway at around 3 p.m., Saturday.
Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue units later responded to the scene.
Responding officers formed a barricade around the subject, and investigators said a short standoff ensued.
Witness Marcia Sdavredakis said officers told her to find a safe spot.
“The cops start yelling, ‘Get off the way! Run away! Leave your car!'” she said.
7News cameras captured the moment the gunman raised his shotgun and pointed it at police. It was then that, investigators said, he shot at them, forcing officers to open fire.
“While engaging the subject, shots were fired. The subject is deceased on the scene,” said MDPD Deputy Director Alfredo Ramirez.
Cameras later showed officers placing a tarp over the subject.
Officials said a Miami-Dade Police officer was shot in the leg during the exchange of gunfire. Police have not specified whether or not he was injured by friendly fire.
Paramedics transported the wounded officer to Ryder Trauma Center with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Miami-Dade Police officers were later seen entering the hospital to be by his side.
“We’re very relieved that it looks like he’s going to have a full recovery,” said Ramirez. “We’re here to provide him support as we do through our departmental procedures, and we ask the community that you pray for him. We’re very fortunate today.”
The scene remained active for hours, as detectives worked well into the night. Saturday night, 7News cameras captured the gunman’s body under a tarp at the same spot where he was shot and killed.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement later confirmed a shotgun was recovered at the scene and the subject was wearing a bulletproof vest.
The FDLE continues to investigate the incident. Officials have not identified the gunman or the injured officer.
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