Suspect Shot And Killed By Police Near Miami Airport

MIAMI, FL — One person was killed Thursday night and police recovered what they described as a high-powered rifle from the scene of a police-involved shooting not far from Miami International Airport. The incident happened shortly before 9 p.m. in the area of NW 7 Street and NW 72 Avenue. Witnesses reported hearing a flurry of rapid gunshots.

"The police involved shooting in the area of NW 72 Avenue and NW 7 Street stemmed from an ongoing FBI investigation," according to Officer Kiara Delva of the Miami Police Department and Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

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Both agencies were assisting the FBI in the apprehension of a wanted suspect at the time of the police shooting.

Police said that the suspect tried to get away and began firing his weapon at officers. "The subject then fled from the officers and a police pursuit ensued," Zabaleta and Delva explained. "During the pursuit, the subject began to shoot at the officers and there was an exchange of gunfire."

Delva said that the suspect was shot by police and pronounced dead on the scene. "There were no other injuries to the public or law enforcement," Zabaleta and Delva said. "The subject's identification is not available for release due to pending next of kin notification."

Police warned motorists to expect traffic delays during Friday's commute as a result of road closures from the incident.

To report a tip, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477), 866-471-8477 or visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip.” Alternatively, text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.

As with all police shootings involving Miami-Dade police, an investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Photo courtesy Miami Police Department