Motorist Shot After Allegedly Threatening Miami-Dade Cops

MIAMI, FL — Two veteran Miami-Dade police officers opened fire on a motorist who allegedly grabbed one of their Tasers and threatened them with it. The incident occurred around noon Thursday after the motorist had apparently gotten into a rollover crash that left his vehicle submerged. Traffic was snarled in both directions for a time between Key Largo and Florida City but traffic later reopened.

The crash and shooting took place near mile maker 114 and S. Dixie Highway. Mile marker 114 is located in the area of the 35800 block of South Dixie Highway.

Sergeant Carlos Rosario of the Miami-Dade Police Department later told reporters that his officers were assisting with the rollover accident investigation when the driver grabbed one of the officer's Tasers. It was not clear if the man was struck by one, or both officers.

"The driver reached for the officer's electronic control device, also known as Taser, removed the Taser from the officer's person and pointed it at the officer," Rosario said. "At some point, thereafter, the officers fired shots."

The motorist was airlifted by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to Jackson South Hospital, where he was listed in good condition.

Detective Argemis Colome of the Miami-Dade Police Department said that a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officer along with several other drivers first came across the overturned vehicle as they were driving along the highway. He said they stopped to help the driver.

"The driver was assistd back to land by the FWC officer and the Good Samaritans," Colome said. "The FWC officer requested Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and approached the driver in an attempt to render aid."

But the motorist was described as uncooperative, even walking away, according to Colome.

"The FWC officer requested additional units for assistance and two Miami-Dade Police Department officers responded," Argemis said.

The incident came at the start of a long holiday weekend in which a number of motorists were making the trip between Miami-Dade County and the Florida Keys.

One of the police officers was described as an eight-year veteran while the other was a 27-year-veteran of the force. Neither officer was identified. Police were also withholding the name of the motorist who was shot.

As with all police-involved shootings in Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will oversee the investigation.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano