A fatal police-involved shooting in Homestead has left one man dead and sparked an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, according to local authorities. On Saturday morning, a tranquil residential area turned into the scene of a deadly encounter between police and an individual reported to be mentally ill.
The incident took place at a home on Sunrise Boulevard, where a mentally ill man was said to live. Prior to the shooting, police had cordoned off the area and were heard shouting commands, a neighbor told Local 10. Reports of shots fired had initially brought officers to the normally quiet Sunrise community, located just east of the Ronald Reagan Turnpike.
Homestead Police Captain Fernando Morales told NBC6 that an incident occurred which forced the officers to use their weapons. "I can confirm that at this time, an incident did occur with the officers where the officers were forced to fire their firearms and there is one person deceased inside the residence," Capt. Morales said.
In the wake of the shooting, investigators are working to piece together the circumstances that led to the deployment of lethal force. It is known that Homestead Police had previously visited the location, though no other residents or officers were reported injured in the shooting. Details on the event remain scant as the FDLE continues to thoroughly interview the officers involved, aiming to clearly establish the facts of the case.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about this case or any other incidents to contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
