Victim shoots at man who tried to steal catalytic converter in northeast Miami-Dade

Suspect at large, leaves trail of blood behind, police say

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade police are investigating after they said a man shot at a would-be thief Friday morning in northeast Miami-Dade.

The incident was reported just before 5 a.m. in a warehouse area at 20056 NE 15th Court.

Sky 10 was above the scene just after 8:30 a.m. as crime scene tape blocked off the area and evidence markers were left on the ground.

The owner of a demolition and trash hauling company told Local 10 News reporter Parker Branton that one of her employees saw someone trying to steal a catalytic converter from their white truck.

She said her employee told her the suspect ran towards him with a saw, so the employee shot at the suspect and the suspect ran off.

Miami-Dade police said the would-be thief left a trail of blood behind.

Police have not yet located the subject.

The worker was detained by police for questioning.

Witnesses say a red car left behind was the suspect’s getaway vehicle. Detectives were seen wiping it for fingerprints and looking inside the car.

Several people who work in the area say they too have been targeted for their catalytic converters -- a crime that is becoming all too common across South Florida.

Local 10 News has also covered catalytic converters being stolen in Hollywood back on April 8 and October of last year.

These parts can cost around $4,000.

And these type of thefts are up some 300 percent nationwide. Authorities say organized criminal rings are what’s behind the problem.

Anyone with further information about Friday’s incident is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

Sky 10 over shooting scene in northeast Miami-Dade. (WPLG)

About the Authors
Amanda Batchelor headshot

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.

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