MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A suspect was shot early Wednesday morning after some kind of incident involving an off-duty Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy in South Pointe Park, authorities confirmed to Local 10 News.
According to Miami Beach police, the incident occurred at about 1:10 a.m.
Cellphone video captured the crime scene at South Pointe Park after the incident.
Miami Beach police and crime scene detectives were seen focusing on a bench along the main walkway after the shooting.
Hours later, after investigators cleared the area, Local 10’s cameras captured blood stains left behind on the bench -- a visible reminder of the violence that unfolded here.
“I am pretty stunned because it is a very nice park and nice people walking around here with their kids and dogs -- a really friendly neighborhood,” park visitor Ann Wessung said.
Police said the off-duty cop was the victim of some sort of incident involving another person.
South Florida Police Benevolent Association President Steadman Stahl said the deputy was protecting not only himself, but also relatives who were with him at the time.
“It just goes to show you we are never really off duty,” Stahl said.
Stahl said the deputy was walking back to his home with family members and his dog when he was attacked.
“The officer was walking back with some family members, back to his house, when he was attacked by a subject really unprovoked and he had to resort back to his police actions and training,” Stahl said.
That’s when the deputy fired his gun, hitting the other person, authorities said.
“Well, I mean, self-defense is self-defense. I guess he knows how to handle a weapon,” park visitor Ole Wessung said.
Police confirmed that the suspect was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
The suspect is not facing any charges, as of Wednesday night.
The deputy was not injured.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed it is investigating the “deputy’s use of force” at the request of the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
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