Miami-Dade County, Florida – An active investigation is underway in Northwest Miami-Dade after a sheriff’s deputy opened fire on a vehicle during a traffic stop that escalated into an altercation Sunday night, according to officials.
Incident Overview
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO) confirmed that the incident began Sunday evening when a deputy received an alert regarding a stolen vehicle in the area of NW 17th Avenue and NW 95th Street in the West Little River neighborhood. The deputy later located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop.
As the deputy approached the vehicle, officials say the situation quickly escalated.
Altercation Leads to Gunfire
According to the sheriff’s office, an altercation occurred between the deputy and the vehicle’s occupant during the traffic stop. During that encounter, the deputy opened fire, striking the vehicle. Authorities did not specify how many shots were fired or the exact circumstances that led to the use of deadly force.
Despite the gunfire, the vehicle fled the scene.
Vehicle Recovered, Suspect Escapes
Law enforcement officials said the suspect vehicle was located a short distance away after fleeing. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies discovered a gun inside. However, the driver fled on foot and has not yet been apprehended.
As of early Monday morning, the suspect remains at large, and no description has been released publicly.
Deputy Not Injured
Officials confirmed that the deputy was not injured during the incident. There were no immediate reports of additional injuries connected to the shooting, and authorities did not indicate whether anyone else was inside the vehicle at the time.
Investigation Turned Over to FDLE
Due to the involvement of a deputy-involved shooting, the case has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which will conduct an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the use of force.
Deputy-involved shootings in Florida are typically investigated by an outside agency to ensure transparency and accountability. FDLE investigators are expected to review body camera footage, witness statements, forensic evidence, and dispatch records as part of the process.
Public Assistance Requested
Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect and gathering additional information related to the incident.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477). Tips can be provided anonymously.
Ongoing Developments
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office has not released further details regarding the suspect’s identity, potential charges, or whether surveillance footage from the area captured the incident. Officials say more information will be provided as the investigation continues.
Residents in the West Little River area may notice an increased law enforcement presence as authorities continue efforts to locate the suspect and complete the investigation.
Share your experiences in the comments below if you witnessed the incident or have concerns about safety in your neighborhood.
