MIAMI SHORES, FLA. (WSVN) - A Golden Beach Police officer was shot by an armed assailant at a vacant home in Miami Shores, early Saturday, after, investigators said, a woman reported a masked man in front of her home.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the resident who called 911 late Friday night stated that an armed black male was in front of her home. “He appeared to have his face covered,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Jennifer Capote.
Investigators said the man told the woman to go back into her home, and she complied. She then called authorities.
Miami Shores Police responded to the scene and spoke to the woman, and then decided to set a perimeter and call in K-9 officers. Golden Beach Police, Miami-Dade Police and City of Miami Police also stepped in to assist with the investigation.
During the search for the subject, a Golden Beach Police K-9 officer entered the vacant home, located at Northeast 106th Street and 11th Court, where he found the armed man. “A Golden Beach officer entered the residence, K-9, and began the search,” said Capote. “Once he entered that vacant area in the back — it happens to be an attached shed — there was a subject inside, and the subject shot directly at the officer.”
“I heard four gunshots,” said area resident Nina Birnbach.
Officials said the subject struck the officer in the upper body area, possibly the arm. “The officer was shot, non life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, he is fine,” said Capote.
A recording captures a dispatcher alerting fire rescue crews about the shooting. “Engine 20, I have this as a police officer shot,” said the dispatcher.
The officer was transported to Aventura Hospital in stable condition. He is expected to be OK.
A special response team was then deployed into the home. “Negotiators began attempting to negotiate with the subjects. Failed attempts led the SRT to enter the residence, where they found the male deceased,” said Capote.
It remains unclear how the armed subject died.
Residents said the vacant home has been a problem for the neighborhood. “It’s a magnet for vagrants and criminals,” said Robert Alexander.
One area resident told 7News he was surprised to see two men inside the home earlier that day. “I saw these two guys standing in the hallway,” said Brett Birnbach, “and if my memory serves me right, there was an argument, but it was not real loud.”
The scene remained active until about 6:45 a.m. Miami-Dade’s Homicide Unit has since taken over the investigation.
Miami Shores Police have been surveying the area ever since the shooting took place.
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