An off-duty Miami Beach police officer shot a suspect during an attempted robbery near the Smith & Wollensky restaurant at the tip of South Beach early Wednesday, according to authorities. The confrontation unfolded around 1:10 a.m. in the South Pointe area. Police said the officer was not hurt, while the suspect was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
Miami Beach police told Local 10 that the suspect was shot during an attempted robbery and taken to Jackson Memorial’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he was listed in critical condition. The officer escaped without injury. The station also reported that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has been asked to investigate the shooting.
An MBPD spokesperson told Local 10, "South of Fifth remains one of the most desirable neighborhoods in our city, but incidents like these are reminders that we can never become complacent when it comes to safety, policing, awareness, and continued investment in public security, at South Pointe Park." Police did not immediately confirm who fired the shot, and no arrests had been announced as of the latest update.
South Pointe Has Seen Recent Violence
The tip of South Beach has grappled with other violence this spring. A beach bonfire shooting in the area led to a teen being charged as an adult, according to NBC 6. Incidents like that have put a spotlight on late-night crowds in the South of Fifth nightlife corridor. Residents and business owners say the crush of people after bars close can create hectic, fast-moving scenes that make emergency responses more complicated.
Investigation and Next Steps
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement states it is often called in to investigate officer-involved shootings at the request of a local agency and typically does not comment on active investigations, according to its press-office guidance. In cases like this, investigators commonly review witness statements, surveillance footage and forensic evidence before deciding whether to refer charges to prosecutors. Jackson Health’s Ryder Trauma Center, where the suspect was taken, is one of the county’s primary trauma facilities.
Officials did not immediately release the suspect’s name or provide additional details Wednesday morning. The investigation remains ongoing.
