Man accused of shooting North Miami Beach police officer granted bail

Judge orders Elton Bandoo to prove money is legitimate before posting bail

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – A man accused of shooting a North Miami Beach police officer during an identity theft sting was granted bail on Monday.

A Miami-Dade County judge said Elton Bandoo must prove that his money was legitimately obtained before he posts bond.

A hearing to determine whether his money will be accepted is scheduled for April 30.

Police said Bandoo shot officer Lino Diaz as more than a dozen officers were trying to serve a warrant relating to a federal fraud investigation.

Bandoo said he thought Diaz was an intruder. Diaz has recovered from his injuries and has testified in Bandoo's ongoing bond hearing.

Earlier this month, police confirmed that an arsenal was found inside Bandoo's home during the sting. Detectives said some of the weapons were hidden while others were in plain sight.

The arsenal included shotguns, AK-47s, magazines and bullets.

"Every firearm that was recovered was a legal firearm -- every firearm recovered in that house," Bandoo's attorney said.  "Except, purportedly there were some ledgers and whatnot, but of course those weren't in any of the crime scene photographs."

Bandoo, who has no prior criminal history, owns a music business that is registered with the state.

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About the Authors:

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.