Florida Police Officer Shot During Training Exercise

DORAL, FL — A Florida police officer was shot Wednesday during a training exercise near Miami, according to the Doral Police Department.

Rey Valdes of the Doral Police Department told Patch that the wounded officer was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center.

"He sustained a gunshot wound to the upper torso that occurred during a training exercise that was being conducted by the Doral Police Department," Valdes said.

The wounded officer was later identified as Sgt. Eric Fernández, an 11-year veteran of the agency. He was listed in serious but stable condition as of Wednesday night.

"We are grateful for the support we have received from the community and our extended law enforcement family," said a statement from the Doral Police Department. "Please keep Eric and his family in your prayers."

The incident occurred at the Miami-Dade Public Safety Training Institute, which is located about 16 miles northwest of Miami.

"We were utilizing the Miami-Dade Police Department's training facility but this was entirely a Doral police training exercise," Valdes explained on his way to the hospital. "I can't tell you whether he was indoors or outdoors."

The shooting investigation is being conducted by the Miami Dade Police Department.

"This investigation is in its preliminary stages at this time, and no additional information is available for release," said Detective Angel A. Rodriguez of the Miami-Dade Police Department around 2:30 p.m.