Miami-Dade Detective Recovering After Grow House Shootout
MIAMI (CBS4) - A veteran Miami-Dade detective is listed as stable at Jackson Memorial Hospital after he was shot three times in the abdomen during a drug operation.
The shooting happened just before 7 p.m. Tuesday at a home near Coral Way and Southwest 60th Avenue.
Officers went to the home after receiving a tip that was being used as a grow house, according to Miami-Dade Police Director James Loftus.
When detectives went to the house to ask the occupants for consent to search the house, a man emerged from a car that was parked on the street and began firing at the officers.
Officers returned fire on the driver and killed him. The injured officer was transported by air rescue to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was rushed into surgery. CBS4 News has learned the identity of the detective, but has decided not to release it as the investigation unfolds. He is a decorated detective with more than a dozen years on the force.
"He was conscious he was talking to family members he spoke to his wife on the phone and we had a chance to talk to him briefly," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Roy Rutland. "It appears he'll be OK, we're certainly praying that he will be."
Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez went to the hospital to offer his support to the officers.
"Something like this happens, you come together and you rally around each other," said Martinez. "The doctors came and just spoke to his family right now. They mentioned the extent of the injuries but the one thing they did say is he will be fine."
Another suspect, who was also injured, was taken into custody.
Sources say the operation was part of a drug task force that included state and federal agents, including the FBI.
