A Miami-Dade police officer fired shots at a suspect after a chase, resulting in the suspect crashing into a power pole. The officer was pinned against his car and opened fire. The suspect, Virgil Bernard French, was critically injured and taken to the hospital. Another passenger was also arrested. Trent Kelly reported
Police Officer Opens Fire at Suspect in Miami-Dade County
In Miami-Dade County, Florida, a police officer from the robbery intervention unit opened fire at a suspect on Friday night. Surveillance cameras captured the incident, including the sound of seven gunshots. The officer was chasing a white Dodge Challenger when the suspect’s vehicle eventually crashed into a power pole near Northwest 63rd Street and 21st Avenue.
As the officer approached the crashed car, the driver allegedly accelerated, pinning the officer against his unmarked car. In response to this life-threatening situation, the officer discharged his firearm, striking the suspect. Miami-Dade Police Detective Luis Sierra provided details, stating, “The subject accelerated towards one of our officers, striking him and pinning him against his own vehicle. Our officer discharged his firearm, striking the subject.”
Within a minute, backup arrived to assist the officer. Cell phone video footage captured the scene, showing officers surrounding the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Virgil Bernard French. Paramedics transported French to Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. The officer, on the other hand, was released from the hospital after receiving medical attention.
Additionally, the passenger in the Dodge was identified as 40-year-old Charlie Harris. Law enforcement officials arrested Harris on an outstanding warrant for child abuse.
Overall, this incident highlights the dangerous situations that police officers face while carrying out their duties to protect the community. The use of surveillance cameras in capturing such events provides crucial evidence for investigations and ensures transparency in law enforcement actions.
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