MIAMI, FL – A late-night confrontation in Miami led to three police officers being hospitalized after a shootout with a suspected squatter, as per official reports.
The South District uniform patrol officers were called to a residence on SW 162nd Avenue in Miami around 10:40 p.m. Upon arrival, they were met with a male individual, allegedly squatting in the property, who was armed with a shotgun.
As the officers advanced towards the entrance of the residence, the male opened fire, prompting the officers to return fire, which resulted in the man’s death.
Detective Alvaro Zabaleta provided details of the incident, noting that a 35-year-old officer was hit in the upper body and a 57-year-old officer was struck in the upper body and face.
The injured officers were immediately transported to Ryder Trauma Center Jackson South by their colleagues. A third officer, a 40-year-old woman, was also taken to the hospital for a medical check-up.
Expressing her relief at the officers’ survival, Miami-Dade Police Director Stephanie V. Daniels stated, “This type of violence towards my officers will not be tolerated. By the grace of God, they are alive today.” She further expressed gratitude for not having to deliver heartbreaking news to the officers’ families.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is currently investigating the incident involving the officers.