Man in critical condition after being shot by officer in Miami's Liberty City, officials say
A man was rushed to the hospital in critical condition Monday morning after being shot multiple times by a Miami police officer in Liberty City, authorities said.
City of Miami Fire-Rescue said the shooting happened around 6:45 a.m. at Northwest 15th Avenue and 64th Street. Police Chief Manuel Morales told reporters dispatchers first received a call about a man armed with a gun and firing shots into the air.
"Prior to arrival we received a subsequent 911 call advising of a Black male dressed in black shooting around with a firearm while going southbound on 15th Avenue," Morales said.
When officers arrived, they found the man still armed. One officer discharged their service weapon, striking him multiple times, Morales said.
"The initial investigation reveals that there's a firearm on the scene that does not belong to any of the officers," Morales said.
Suspect identified by mother
The man's name has not been released by police. However, his mother, Cynthia Williams, told CBS News Miami that he is 37-year-old Joseph Tilley.
"That's the first thing I want to know is what happened. And God forbid my son is lying in a morgue. I can't do that. I can't do that. I refuse to bury my son," Williams said, visibly emotional.
She said she rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital after learning her son had been shot.
"He's a beautiful son. Every Mother's Day and birthdays, he always comes and sees me and makes sure I am alright. He's my baby," she said. "I'm so numb. I can't feel myself because I just buried my husband four years ago. We were married for 47 years and I am going through hardship right now."
Williams said she heard her son had been waving his gun when officers confronted him. "They told him to put his gun down and they say that's how he got shot," she said. "Has he ever been in trouble before? Yes. But nothing like this. I want to know what happened. Give me some details. What happened? And I want to know the truth."
Evidence under review
Chief Morales said surveillance and body camera footage are being reviewed, but he could not yet say why the officer fired.
"At this time FDLE, as they are in every shooting with Miami Police, I can tell you they are reviewing evidence right now. We do have video from real-time cameras on the street. We do have bodycam-worn video as well," Morales said.
When asked whether the officer gave Tilley commands before opening fire, Morales said that information is under review.
Investigation and appeal for information
Per department protocol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477).