NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - The victim of an attempted car break-in in Northwest Miami-Dade turned the tables on two subjects, setting off a deadly chain of events that ended in an overnight crash, police said.
Surveillance video captured the moment when, police said, the alleged carjackers crashed into a home in the area of Northwest 79th Avenue and 192nd Street, just before 2:30 a.m., Wednesday.
The security footage also shows one subject fleeing the scene.
At around 6 a.m., 7News cameras captured a large police presence and multiple damaged vehicles in the neighborhood.
According to Miami-Dade Police, two subjects were trying to break into a car in front of a home when the victim interrupted.
“That vehicle’s owner came out and confronted those two subjects,” said MDPD Detective Andre Martin.
Investigators said an altercation erupted between the vehicle’s owner and the subjects.
“The vehicle’s owner produced a firearm, fired into the direction of the subjects. The subjects fled in a nearby vehicle,” said Martin.
The driver smashed into a few other vehicles as the car came to a stop close to where the incident began, causing serious property damage.
“The person that was shot was the subject that we have deceased here on the scene. It is unknown whether or not anyone else was injured in this incident,” said Martin.
A neighbor who lives in the area and identified himself as Daniel spoke to 7News about the crash. Speaking in Spanish, he said he didn’t know what happened to the cars.
“Look at this mess. I am waiting for the insurance to arrive and remove the cars,” he said. “No, I’m not the owner of the house. I don’t even know what happened here.”
7Skyforce captured the subject’s body near the white vehicle.
A family arrived on the scene shortly after, and a woman was seen breaking down on the ground and crying. The man who was comforting the woman came back to the scene on Wednesday afternoon.
Reporters swarmed the man, asking him his relationship to the victim.
“That’s my son,” said the man.
Anita, another neighbor with spoke to 7News, said her Ring camera captured the aftermath of the crash.
“[It was at] 2:46 a.m. The police, you see, when they crash,” she said.
Martin, meanwhile, had a message for the community, especially for people who might encounter somebody who is trying to break into their car.
“Citizens who find themselves becoming a victim of a crime, not to confront these subjects,” Martin said. “It’s very dangerous. You don’t know how desperate these people are, and you don’t know how that situation might end. So we urge the community, if you find yourself become the victim of a crime, do not confront the subjects. Please contact the police.”
Another subject is still on the run, as police continue their search. It is unclear what this individual looks like.
It also remains unclear whether the victim who shot and killed the alleged thief will face any charges.
If you have any information on this attempted break-in, shooting or crash that could help police, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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