DORAL, FLA. (WSVN) - A person of interest has been identified in a police-involved shooting that killed a 21-year-old man.
According to police, 25-year-old Devin Lamar Smith was in the passenger seat of the car driven by 21-year-old Jamar Rollins.
Rollins was killed by a Miami-Dade Police officer during a traffic stop, Friday night, on the 10100 block of West Indigo Street.
Officials said Rollins was driving erratically, and when they pulled the car over, Smith took off running. As an officer approached Rollins, who was still behind the wheel, the officer noticed Rollins was armed.
Rollins was killed shortly afterwards.
Miami-Dade Police officers Andrew Garcia and Jesus Coto were identified, Wednesday morning, as the officers involved. They’ve been with the department for over eight years and work in investigations.
A community meeting was held to address the shooting, Tuesday night, at Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez and other officers were present to answer questions.
“The driver, the victim in this case, had a firearm on him and started stepping out of the vehicle with firearm in-hand towards the officer,” Perez said at the community meeting with Rollins’ loved ones and family members. “So that is what needs to be investigated by FDLE.”
Many family members demanded answers as to what happened when Rollins was shot and killed. “This was not gun violence,” said Karen Harris, the 21-year-old’s aunt, when she took the stand. “This was an assassination.”
Witnesses were not eager to talk about what happened, but one neighbor told 7News she saw it all.
“What I saw is not for Channel 7. It’s not for Channel 7,” said neighbor Akeba Perpall. “I saw the surrender mode. I saw him in surrender.” When asked if she told police, she said she had only been communicating with Rollins’ family.
The officers were placed on administrative leave for three days following the shooting, police said, and are only allowed to return to work after completing a course. Miami-Dade Police said they are expected to return to duty on Thursday.
Police continue to search for Smith, and have released a wanted flyer in hopes the community recognizes him.
When two residents were asked if they had seen Smith, they said no.
The shooting is now under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
If you have any information on his whereabouts, 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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