FHP trooper fatally shoots suspect in Miami Gardens

Surveillance video shows trooper jump onto hood of suspect's car during getaway

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. ā€“ A suspect was fatally shot Wednesday by a Florida Highway Patrol trooper in Miami Gardens.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a motorcycle trooper was forced to open fire on the suspect after he used his car as a weapon during a traffic stop.

The traffic stop took place near the Palmetto Expressway at Northwest 37th Avenue and Northwest 167th Street.

Surveillance video shows the trooper pound on the hood of the car to get the driver's attention. Moments later, the car bumps the trooper's motorcycle, and the trooper jumps onto the hood.

Trooper Joe Sanchez said the trooper fired at the suspect after he was thrown off the hood.

"If he felt that his life was threatened and the vehicle's going to run you over, you know, that's assault with a deadly weapon," Sanchez said.

The suspect led troopers on a brief pursuit before crashing into an SUV near Northwest 37th Avenue and Northwest 175th Street, where a yellow tarp was seen covering a body next to the crashed car. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

A passenger in the car was injured and taken to a hospital. Her relationship to the suspect is unclear, and it is unknown if she will face any charges.

Sanchez didn't say how many times the trooper opened fire or if the suspect was armed.

The trooper was treated at the scene for minor injuries. He has been placed on administrative leave as is standard protocol in any trooper-involved shooting.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the shooting.Ā 


About the Authors:

Peter Burke returned for a second stint of duty at Local 10 News in February 2014.

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.