Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Cleared Of Criminal Wrongdoing

MIAMI, FL — A 16-year-veteran Miami-Dade police sergeant has been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in the 2017 shooting death of 27-year-old Anthony Antonio Ford. Sgt. Eduardo Pares had been placed on administrative duty since the shooting. Ford died of his wounds on Aug. 30, 2017 at Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center.

"Based upon the investigation, a review of the statements of the witnesses and the evidence retrieved, Sgt. Eduardo Pares had a right to use deadly force in response to the threat," the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office found in deciding not to press charges against the officer.

"Based on the evidence, Mr. Ford's actions put fear in the mind of Sgt. Pares that death or great bodily harm was imminent," the State Attorney's Office said. "Consequently, Sgt. Pares was legally justified in firing his weapon to protect his life. Therefore, it is the opinion of the undersigned assistant state attorney that no criminal charges should be filed against Sgt. Pares."

Miami-Dade Police Director Juan J. Perez said at the time that the decision to place Pares on administrative duty was not meant to suggest that Pares was guilty of any wrongdoing.

Prosecutors disclosed that Ford was not carrying a weapon when he was shot by the officer.

"Further, according to Sgt. Pares, it is also not uncommon for a subject to carry a firearm in his waistband," prosecutors said. "Further, according to Sgt.Pares, it's also not uncommon for a subject to attempt to conceal that firearm upon being approached by law enforcement by shoving it farther down into the groin area where it would not be detected by simply putting the individual down."

Detective Argemis Colome of the Miami-Dade Police Department told Patch at the time that the shooting occurred around 9 p.m. at NW 15 Avenue and NW 68 Street. The sergeant was assigned to the Northside District Crime Suppression Team or CST at the time.

Colome said that Ford fled the vehicle on foot while the other occupant of the car was taken into custody. The second man was later identified as Rodderick Ford, who was also 27. "A perimeter was established, and as one of the detectives conducted an area canvass within the perimeter, he spotted the subject," Colome explained. "An altercation ensued, and shots were fired."

Police shootings by Miami-Dade County police are investigated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano