A routine traffic stop in Miami Gardens erupted into a scene of violence and confusion when a driver allegedly attempted to run over several police officers, leading to gunfire and an intense manhunt.
The suspect managed to escape, but authorities soon discovered his vehicle abandoned in a residential area, maintaining a heavy police presence in the vicinity.
Violent Confrontation: Attempted Vehicular Assault and Gunfire
According to local media reports, the incident unfolded around 4:00 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday. Officers from the Miami Gardens Police Department were conducting a speed radar operation near the intersection of Northwest 159th Street and 22nd Avenue when they attempted to pull over a vehicle. The driver responded by dangerously accelerating.
"The suspect sped up and nearly hit the initial officers, who had to jump out of the way to avoid being struck," reported Telemundo 51, citing police sources.
The situation quickly intensified when the car, instead of stopping, drove directly toward another officer. Facing imminent danger, one of the officers discharged his weapon.
Delma Noel-Pratt, Miami Gardens Police Chief, stated, “The suspect hit the gas and narrowly missed one officer, forcing him to move, and then headed directly towards a second officer.” This second officer, unable to dodge in time, fired his weapon in self-defense, though it remains unclear if the driver was hit.
Escape and Vehicle Discovery
Despite the gunfire, the driver managed to flee the scene. Minutes later, the abandoned car was located in a residential area less than five minutes from the initial site, specifically near Northwest 151st Street and Railroad Drive.
A local resident told NBC Miami that she was at home when she noticed the commotion. “I heard helicopters, then went outside and saw a lot of police cars,” she described.
Neighbors reported to WSVN hearing between three and four gunshots. “It sounded very close,” one woman recounted, adding that when she stepped outside, “there were a lot of police officers out there.”
Ongoing Investigation and Police Deployment
Following standard procedure in such cases, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) took over the investigation due to the officer-involved shooting. Forensic experts examined the abandoned vehicle for fingerprints or DNA evidence to help identify the suspect.
The area remained under tight surveillance for several hours, with some sections of 22nd Avenue closed off during the search efforts. It has not been confirmed whether the suspect was armed or if he was hit by the gunfire. No arrests have been made so far.
The police have called on the community for assistance in locating the fugitive suspect. Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw someone running near Railroad Drive is urged to contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers anonymously at 305-471-TIPS.
Key Information about the Miami Gardens Incident
What triggered the police's use of firearms?
The police fired their weapons in response to the imminent threat posed by the suspect's vehicle, which was aggressively driven towards officers, compelling them to act in self-defense.
How was the suspect's vehicle discovered?
The suspect's vehicle was found abandoned in a residential area near the initial scene, discovered shortly after the suspect fled.
What are the authorities doing to catch the suspect?
Authorities are conducting an intensive investigation, utilizing forensic analysis and community assistance to identify and locate the suspect.