HOMESTEAD, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for the shooter or shooters who, they said, opened fire during a family gathering in Homestead, sending three people to the hospital.
Homestead Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the incident in the area of Southwest 16th Terrace and 17th Avenue, at approximately 9 p.m., Sunday.
According to detectives, a family was having a party on their front lawn when the subject or subjects walked up and discharged firearms, striking three people.
Investigators said an off-duty police officer who was at the gathering opened fire as well.
“When the firing started, it just so happened that a Miami-Dade School Board police officer was here at the gathering and returned fire at the subjects that were firing into the gathering,” said Miami-Dade Police Sgt. Fernando Morales. “Because of that, we have a multi-jurisdictional investigation going on. Along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Miami-Dade School Board Police Department and the Homestead Police Department will be conducting this investigation.”
One male victim was airlifted to a trauma center and is said to be in good condition. The other two victims were transported by paramedics to Homestead Hospital.
The off-duty officer was not hurt. He has been placed on administrative leave.
Officials said the gunman or gunmen remain on the run.
Neighbors in the area said they don’t feel safe after the shooting.
“It’s not safe for my son and my little girl,” said a woman who lives nearby. “That’s not fair.”
Detectives returned to the scene on Monday, as they continue their investigation.
Area residents, meanwhile, are still shaken up.
“I don’t want to go to work now because I have my kids in homeschool. It’s not safe,” said the woman who lives nearby.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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