Police arrest two suspects after shooting that injured K-9 in Homestead
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have arrested two suspects following a massive manhunt after a shootout, which injured a police dog and one of the suspects early Monday morning.
Just before dawn, police had established a perimeter to search for one of the suspects, following the shootout. After a manhunt involving police from three counties and an array of jurisdictions, police caught their man who had barricaded himself inside a shed located behind a home in the area. A Florida Highway Patrol K-9 caught his scent. Police said it was the dog's first search.
According to Homestead Police, units initially responded to an overnight burglary in progress around 3:30 a.m. "We heard a loud bang and glass shattering and everything," said Yesi Atkinson, who said a brick went through one of her home's windows, prompting the 911 call. "I woke up, and I screamed. I woke up my husband, and I was screaming, in a panic."
Soon after, police arrived and began their search for those responsible. They confronted two suspects and a shootout ensued. "The gunfire did strike one of their K-9 dogs, causing non-life threatening injuries," Miami-Dade Police Officer Juan Villalba said.
The German Shepard, named Bart, was taken to Homestead Animal Hospital after a bullet grazed his leg. He was released later that morning and is expected to be OK.
A suspect was also shot at the scene, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue airlifted him to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition.
Police from across the Tri-County area joined forces to search for at least one armed suspect. A perimeter was set up within a two-mile radius as police searched for that suspect. SWAT teams and police units from FHP, Monroe, the Broward County Sheriff's Office, Miami Beach and Hialeah all reported to the scene to assist with the search.
Dick Hamilton saw the strong police presence when officers entered his yard. "They were doing a house-to-house search down to here," he said. "They came through on my back patio, and I opened up my backdoor, and the police officer says, 'Close the door, lock it and stay inside.'"
Dave Hamilton said he directed police to the home where they eventually found their man at about 10 a.m. "We mentioned to them as to the house being vacant over here and suggested that they search there, and evidently they did because they caught the suspect," he said.
Two schools in the area were temporarily closed due to the heavy police presence. Students who normally attend Redondo Elementary School at 18480 SW 304th St. had to report to West Homestead Elementary. Students who attend Homestead Middle School at 650 NW 2nd Ave. reported to Campbell Drive Middle School. After the suspect was captured, the lockdown was lifted and students were transported to their respective schools.
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