MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of shooting at Miami-Dade police officers and carjacking a woman may have changed his appearance and could be dressed as a woman, police said Wednesday.
"Have you ever seen your brother dressed as a woman?" Local 10 News reporter Ben Kennedy asked Matthew Pryor's sister, Melissa Pryor.
"Not ever dressed as a woman. He's been with people (who) dressed themselves as a woman," Melissa Pryor said.
Pryor's mother laughed at the notion that her son may be a cross-dresser, but the suspect's sister said it could be an option.
"Would I decline that that may be an idea? No. Do I think that he can afford right now, without funds, shoes (and) things to put on? No," Melissa Pryor said.
Miami-Dade police Detective Daniel Ferrin said detectives were attempting to arrest Pryor, 30, who had two outstanding probation warrants, at his mother's home on Northeast 136th Street when he ran out a back door, opened fire at them and fled the scene Tuesday morning.
"He started jumping fences to try to get away from the officers," Lt. John Jenkins Jr. said. "One of the officers was able to give chase. Two blocks down he encountered the subject, at which time the subject fired multiple shots at the officer. The officer was able to return fire."
A short time later, officers received a call of a carjacking committed by someone matching Pryor's description.
"Obviously he is desperate to escape, and at this point he has shown that he's willing to do anything," Maj. Hector Llevat said.
Ferrin said Pryor took a silver 2011 Nissan Rogue with Florida tag E595JT and was last seen driving west toward Interstate 95.
Jenkins said that Pryor may have been struck by the SUV that he carjacked while running across Northeast 135th Street.
Police released a photograph of Pryor, who is now clean-shaven.
Pryor has an extensive arrest history dating back to when he was 13 years old. He was previously arrested on charges of burglary, possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest with violence.
Jail records show Pryor has several distinctive tattoos, including "Thug Life," card symbols, a pyramid on his left hand and "Miami 305" on his left leg. He also has a cross with "In loving Memory of Ralph RIP" tattooed on his right arm.
His mother, Elaine Pryor, spoke to Local 10 News saying, "Matthew, come home please, or turn yourself in. Please turn yourself in. Don't hurt yourself."
Elaine Pryor told Local 10 News Wednesday that she has not heard from her son and that he does not have a cellphone with him.
Police said Pryor has ties to the Volusia County and Palm Beach County areas.
Anyone with information about Pryor's whereabouts is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is offering a $10,000 reward and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to Pryor's arrest.
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