The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the early morning shooting near Smith & Wollensky.
MIAMI BEACH, FL — A suspect was shot early Wednesday after an incident involving an off-duty police officer near Smith & Wollensky in the South Pointe area of Miami Beach, police said.
The shooting happened at about 1:10 a.m. near the waterfront restaurant, a well-known spot at the southern end of Miami Beach. Police said the suspect was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. The officer was not injured.
Miami Beach police released few details Wednesday morning. Investigators had not immediately confirmed who fired the shot that wounded the suspect. Police also had not released the suspect’s name, the officer’s name, the officer’s agency or a detailed account of what led to the shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating. The agency is often asked by local police departments to review shootings involving officers. Its role is to gather evidence, interview witnesses and prepare findings for prosecutors or other officials who decide whether further action is needed.
The scene was near Smith & Wollensky, a steakhouse beside Government Cut and South Pointe Park. The area draws residents, tourists, restaurant workers and late-night traffic from nearby hotels and nightlife areas. Police did not say whether the restaurant itself was involved in the incident or whether the encounter happened on nearby public property.
Authorities said the suspect was transported to Ryder Trauma Center, the Miami-Dade County hospital unit that treats many of South Florida’s most serious shooting and crash injuries. The use of the trauma center signaled a serious injury, but officials did not release more details about the suspect’s condition beyond saying the person was critical.
The off-duty officer was not hurt, police said. Officials did not say whether the officer was working an off-duty security job, visiting the area or traveling through the neighborhood when the encounter began. They also did not say whether a weapon was recovered at the scene.
The next steps are expected to include witness interviews, a review of any surveillance video from the area and collection of physical evidence from the shooting scene. Investigators also may review radio traffic, emergency calls and any video recorded by nearby businesses, city cameras or private phones.
As of Wednesday morning, no charges had been announced. Police did not say whether anyone else was being sought. The case remained active, and officials said more information could be released after investigators complete early interviews and notify those connected to the case.
Author note: Last updated May 27, 2026.