MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A foster mother was shot and two children were abducted early Friday in southwest Miami-Dade, authorities said.
The children were later found safe with their biological mother, identified as Candi Johnson, 34, authorities said.
Miami-Dade police said a man and a woman arrived at the victim's home in the 13000 block of Jackson Street and demanded to take the two children, a 5-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy, from the home.
Police said the foster mother, Wendy Edmond, 77, refused to give up the children and a struggle ensued between Edmond and the couple.
According to police, the couple was able to get inside the home and shot Edmond multiple times before taking the kids and fleeing in a four-door, white sedan.
A view from Sky 10 showed officers interviewing family members and neighbors about the shooting.
A neighbor told Local 10 News reporter Saira Anwer that the victim was nothing but kind to the many children she chose to look after.
"I understand it's yours, but once you give them to the state, state give them to whoever, that belongs to the foster parents," Brina Smith said.
The victim was taken to Jackson South Medical Center in stable condition.
Police said the children were later found safe with their biological mother at a home in the 1100 block of Northwest 87th Street.
Police said Johnson does not have legal custody of her children and criminal charges are pending against her.
Her children are now in the custody of the Florida Department of Children and Families.
"The horrific attack on this foster mother is unfathomable," a statement from DCF read. "We have been in contact with the victim's family and will continue to provide support as she recovers."
Records show that Johnson was sentenced in 2008 to five years in prison for child abuse and fleeing from law enforcement officials. The crime was reported in October 2006.
Johnson was also charged with child neglect in April, records show.
Authorities said Friday's investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with further information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.