MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – An off-duty Coral Gables Fire Rescue lieutenant was injured Sunday night in a shooting in northwest Miami-Dade County, authorities said on Monday.
The Coral Gables Fire Department identified their employee as Xavier L. Jones.
Miami-Dade police spokeswoman Robin Pinkard said the lieutenant was struck by a stray bullet shortly before 10:30 p.m. in the area of Northwest 30th Avenue and 51st Street.
A source told Local 10 News reporter Liane Morejon that Jones had gone out Sunday night with a group of friends, and they were dropping off one friend in Liberty City when someone fired at the group.
The source said the shooter appeared to have been waiting for the man to arrive home, and Jones was not the intended target.
The source said Jones was shot twice in the leg.
Jones confirmed on his Facebook page that he was shot in both legs and posted a photo of one of his injured legs.
"By God's grace I am doing a lot better," he wrote. "Thanks every one for your prayers and concerns."
Authorities said Jones was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical, but stable condition.
Coral Gables Fire Rescue officials also confirmed that Jones' injuries were not life-threatening.
"We would like to thank Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Ryder Trauma Center for their actions in assisting our fellow firefighter," the fire department said in a statement. "All of us at the Coral Gables Fire Department wish Lt. Jones a speedy recovery."
A colleague posted a photo of Jones standing in his hospital room Monday afternoon and he appeared to be in good spirits.
"Tough as nails," the caption said. "Thanks for your prayers. God bless."
Authorities have not confirmed what led up to the shooting.