Police: Officer Shot At During Traffic Stop In Miami
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami police have arrested the man who reportedly shot at an officer conducting a traffic stop early Friday.
Video from a surveillance camera shows the brake lights of a car that had just been pulled over at SW 5th Terrace and 43rd Avenue at around 4 a.m.
Police said the "suspicious" car was pulled over in an area known for prostitution.
The patrol car pulled up behind it and before the officer came to a complete stop, detectives said, 28-year-old Lance Deshawn Moore got out of the car and started shooting.
"One of the subjects exited the vehicle and shoots at our officer multiple times. We don't know why this violent action but it's something that has us very worried," said Sgt. Freddie Cruz with Miami Police.
It appears the Moore had opened the door, stepped out and fired toward the officer who backed his unit up then chased the car as it sped off.
Speaking to reporters about the shooting, Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanes said the officer was not able to get out of his car.
The car the suspects were in, a gray Hyundai, had apparent bullet holes in it, but Llanes was adamant the officer never returned fire.
The officer managed to follow the assailant's car for five blocks before his patrol car became disabled from bullets that hit his vehicle.
"The community should know about the brave men and women protecting their safety at all times," said Llanes.
And while the officer wasn't hit, the chief said he's shaken.
Six officers from the department's tactile robbery unit followed car and took the Moore and three passengers into custody on Lejeune Road and NW 9th Street.
"You can see the dangers law enforcement faces on as something as simple a traffic stop," said Cruz.
Several bullets hit the patrol car and neighbors' cars.
"When I woke up, my heart was beating and I was really afraid," said Inti Quinapallo who heard the gunfire.
The chief said a gun was found in the car, but the motive for the shooting is unclear.
Moore, 28, is facing several felony charges including premeditated first-degree murder on a law enforcement officer.
Charges are pending against the three other people in the car.
