MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating an overnight police-involved shooting in Miami Gardens that ended with three men in police custody, early Thursday morning.
Miami-Dade Police have identified the suspects as Christopher Goa, Demetrius Walker and Wently Fenalon.
Investigators said the incident began shortly after midnight, along Northwest 175th Street and 32nd Avenue.
Police said they were in the area serving a warrant for an attempted murder, when they went to assist in a hit-and-run down the street. Upon their arrival, a gray Chevy Impala took off.
Investigators said, when officers caught up with the vehicle, at least two of the three subjects came out and started shooting at the officers. This led to an exchange of gunfire in the area of Northwest 171st Terrace and 29th Place in Miami Gardens.
“As officers attempted to make contact with the individuals inside the vehicle, they were confronted by two males that bailed out of the vehicle, and several gunshots were fired,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Marjorie Eloi.
The officers returned fire, police said.
“I wanted to get on the floor because I was so, so afraid,” said an unnamed witness. “And then, when I got up and looked out the window there was a guy on the ground.”
Police were then able to detain two of the suspects.
“One of the subjects that bailed out of the vehicle was shot and was transported to Aventura Hospital,” said Eloi. “His condition is unknown at this time, and the second subject was taken into custody.”
But Fenalon took off again, police said.
The vehicle finally came to a stop at an Exxon Mobil gas station in the area of Northwest 170th Street and 27th Avenue. Police then arrested Fenalon.
No officers were injured in the shootout. However, the officers unmarked vehicle was struck multiple times by bullets.
“Thankfully, our officers were not struck,” Eloi said. “But based on the police vehicle, they definitely could’ve lost their lives this morning, and we’re thankful that they’re doing OK.”
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation. Charges against the suspects are pending.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.