MIAMI (WSVN) - A man accused of firing a “high-powered” rifle, while police responded to a noise complaint at a Little Havana apartment complex was arrested overnight.
According Miami Police, around midnight, officers responded to a loud music disturbance call at an apartment complex located on the 1300 block of Northwest Second Street.
When officers arrived, they said gunshots were heard from a high-powered weapon. “Upon the arrival of the officers, shots were fired and the officers swiftly took police action,” said Miami Police Officer Christopher Bess.
Police quickly set up a perimeter, calling in the SWAT team for backup. As a result Northwest Second Street was temporarily shut down.
People who live nearby were evacuated by police. “They told us to go inside, and a few minutes later, they told us to evacuate,” said Ebander Reyes. “They said the same thing to our neighbors. Everyone evacuated pretty fast.”
Investigators said the man inside eventually surrendered after speaking with a hostage negotiator.
Neighbors said things escalated quickly. “They got closer near my house and I noticed that the shots were from a high-powered riffle,” said Reyes.
Police said the man, whose identity has not yet been released, is an ex-military veteran. “We did learn that he is a military veteran and that the rifle that he used was a high-powered rifle,” said Bess.
The subject was taken to the hospital as a precaution and was arrested shortly after.
No one was seriously injured. However, one officer was taken to the hospital after injuring his shoulder while trying to take cover. “The officer did fall back and possibly dislocated their shoulder,” said Bess.
The officer is expected to be OK.
Police are now working to figure out a motive. The investigation is ongoing.
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