A Cuban man attempting to flee a traffic stop in a stolen car was lightly injured after an officer, fearing the suspect might run him over, fired several shots.
According to the police report—cited by America Tevé—shortly after nine o'clock on Tuesday night, the Hialeah Police detected a stolen car driving along Okeechobee Road. A patrol car followed and waited for a red traffic light to initiate a traffic stop. However, when the driver of the stolen BMW saw the uniformed officer, he attempted to flee by making a U-turn.
It was then, according to the officer involved, that he fired his weapon out of fear of being run over. The incident occurred in the area of West 12th Avenue and West 29th Street in Hialeah.
The individual, identified as Léster Ramírez Rodríguez, aged 37, was hit in the right wrist and left shoulder. The car he was driving was a black 2020 BMW, which had been stolen in Sweetwater on May 16.
After being injured, the suspect was initially taken by firefighters to Jackson Memorial Hospital for medical treatment and was later transferred to the Hialeah police station. Once at the station, he was uncooperative, first providing a false identity and then refusing to make a statement.
The man was subsequently taken to TGK Jail in the county, where he remains detained as of the time of this report. The Cuban man faces formal charges of aggravated assault on an officer, grand theft auto, and using a false identity.
On Wednesday, investigators approached the area to gather evidence. Residents are still recovering from the shock, although some admit they are becoming increasingly accustomed to hearing gunshots.
"Everybody is complaining about the shootings; measures need to be taken," said another Cuban resident in statements to the cited media outlet.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is in charge of investigating the incident, as is customary in cases involving police officers.
Details on Hialeah Police Shooting Incident
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent incident involving a Cuban man and the Hialeah police.
What prompted the police officer to shoot?
The officer fired his weapon out of fear of being run over as the suspect attempted to flee by making a U-turn.
What charges is Léster Ramírez Rodríguez facing?
Léster Ramírez Rodríguez is facing charges of aggravated assault on an officer, grand theft auto, and using a false identity.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident occurred in the area of West 12th Avenue and West 29th Street in Hialeah.
Who is investigating the incident?
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is in charge of investigating the incident.