Thursday, August 28, 2008
1 suspect shot, 2 arrested after botched robbery
NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police have three suspected car thieves in custody after a woman shot and injured one of them and officers caught up with the other two soon after.
At 1:30 Thursday morning, a man and his girlfriend heard a commotion outside of their home along Northwest 172nd Terrace and 50th Court. The man went outside and noticed three men breaking into his white Dodge Charger parked in his driveway. According to police, the men were trying to steal the stereo equipment out of the car.
A physical confrontation began between the male resident and the suspects, and that is when the girlfriend stepped in and intervened. "He confronted those subjects, there was a physical confrontation between him and the subjects that were there, and at that point, the white female, which is his girlfriend, observed the confrontation, was in fear for the safety of herself and her boyfriend, obtained a handgun and fired several shots," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Robert Williams.
The girlfriend hit one of the suspects in the upper torso, and then all three suspects hopped into a stolen, white Dodge Durango and fled the scene. Police caught up with the trio at Northwest 183rd Street and 47th Avenue and took two of the suspects into custody. Rescue crews airlifted the injured suspect to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.
Those living in the neighborhood defend the woman's actions. "I don't know what you do in those type of circumstances, when you're in that position, but whatever is yours, you've got to defend it however you want," said Yezenia Olivera, who heard the gun shots.
Police believe the woman was prudent with her actions, because according to Florida law, you have a right to defend yourself and your property. "Preliminary investigation shows that this was a justified shooting," said Williams.
All three suspects are facing burglary charges. Detectives are still investigating the incident, as there will likely be more charges filed.
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