MIAMI (WSVN) - What started as a traffic stop turned into a killer confrontation in Miami.
A man’s body could be seen lying in the street, Tuesday afternoon, and investigators blocked off Northwest 71st Street and 10th Avenue late into the night.
One man died and another was taken into custody after a Miami Police officer opened fire during a traffic stop, around 4:40 p.m., right next to Miami Northwestern Senior High School.
“The officers became aware that one of the individuals in the vehicle was armed. A struggle ensued and one of the officers discharged his firearm,” said Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales.
The Miami Police chief said his officers were pulling over a red car, and at some point realized one of the men in the car had a gun.
A struggle ensued and an officer shot and killed 34-year-old Antwon Leonard Cooper. The other subject ran away and was caught shortly after.
On Wednesday, police said the subject was not arrested.
“There is video from the school and there is body worn camera video that we’re still reviewing at this time,” said Morales.
“I was actually really scared,” said Ruslan Mustfaev.
Mustfaev was at an indoor soccer park about a block away and saw the commotion that followed. He said there were still kids at after school programs.
“I saw a lot of kids playing, and I’m just shocked that it happened next to the school,” said Mustfaev.
Morales said investigators are still working to piece together exactly what took place and why.
“The investigation is extremely preliminary at this time,” said Morales. “He will be on administrative leave as the investigation continues.”
Police said video could play a key role in their investigation.
“There is video from the school, and there is body camera video that we’re still reviewing at this time,” Morales said.
People in the area said this incident does not reflect their community.
“Just as soon as there’s a shooting or something negative, or negative connotation, here we come, ‘Oh, Miami Northwestern,'” said teacher and community advocate Monester Lee-Kinsler.
They also called for an end to the fear caused by officer-involved shootings.
“No value for life,” Lee-Kinsler said. “We don’t have value for our life.”
Police have not revealed the identity of the man who was shot or the apprehended suspect.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now leading the investigation.
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