HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - An 18-year-old suspect is in custody after he was charged with the fatal shooting of a police officer in Hollywood.
Hollywood Police said they received calls reporting a suspicious person near the 4000 block of North Hills Drive, at around 10:30 p.m., Sunday.
Neighbors said someone’s Ring camera caught someone trying to open car doors in the area.
“Yes, it was very scary. My daughter was crying quite a bit from what happened last night,” said Benjamin Schwartz who lives in the neighborhood. “It’s right next to our house. This is a pretty scary thing to have happened right next to our house.”
According to Hollywood Police Chief Chris O’Brien, responding officers came in contact with a suspect, an altercation happened and an officer was shot.
The officer has since been identified as 28-year-old Yandy Chirino.
Other officers at the scene were able to detain the suspect and rendered aid to Chirino.
The suspect has been identified as 18-year-old Jason Banegas.
A firearm was recovered at the scene.
“Very safe neighborhood,” one resident said. “We never have something like that. It is sad.”
“[He was] someone here to protect us, and it’s so sad that something like that happened to him,” one resident said, “very sad. It’s hard to believe that something like this can happen in our neighborhood.”
Chirino was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital where he later died.
“Officer Chirino was transported in a police vehicle to Memorial Regional Hospital with life-threatening injuries,” O’Brien said. “The medical staff there worked tirelessly to save his life, but the injuries were too severe and officer Chirino passed away.”
Several officers could be seen coming and going from the hospital.
Outside the Hollywood Police Department building, a flag was lowered to half-staff.
“Last night, officer Chirino left the safety of his home, came to work to protect his community, and tragically, will not be going home to his loved ones this morning,” said O’Brien. “He was a great officer and will leave a lasting impact on our community.”
Chirino has been with the Hollywood Police Department since 2017.
“In just the short time he was with our department, he was recognized multiple times for his outstanding work ethic,” said O’Brien. “Officer Chirino received five supervisor’s commendations and was selected as the Officer of the Month for June of 2020.”
O’Brien also shared a message with the officer’s loved ones.
“To the family of Ofc. Chirino, I offer my deepest condolences. Your son selflessly devoted his life to law enforcement. There are no words that can comfort the pain that your family is feeling right now and that pain extends here with his brothers and sisters in our department. Our Hollywood Police family will stand beside you in the difficult days ahead and will always carry officer Chirino’s legacy. Today, officer Chirino will always be remembered for his selfless actions and his sacrifice to our community.”
Families in the neighborhood memorialized Chirino.
“We’re just so grateful for everything the police do for roaming our neighborhood, for keeping us safe,” one woman said.
Banegas will be charged with armed burglary, battery on a law enforcement officer, carrying a concealed firearm violation, grand theft of a firearm, resisting arrest with violence and first-degree murder.
According to O’Brien, Banegas has an extensive arrest history.
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