'Operation Summer Heat' Launched In Miami-Dade To Crackdown On Violent Crime
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Community leaders are taking action after a recent rash of violent shootings in Miami-Dade.
"No man or woman should feel comfortable driving around with assault weapons to commit a crime in stolen vehicle," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "This will not happen, Not on our watch!"
Police, prosecutors, and elected officials from all over Miami-Dade, along with federal agencies are standing shoulder to shoulder, announcing "Operation Summer Heat."
It's 12 weeks of stepped-up enforcement to combat crime before another major blow-up.
"We will be strategically going after those people that are involved in violent acts, gun violence, narcotics, and anything that is an ingredient of violence," vowed Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez.
Director Ramirez is leading the operation, bringing together police departments county-wide to get violent criminals in custody and to follow up on tips.
"You'll see more officers, they are working on overtime, extended shifts into our most vulnerable time. It will be heightened patrol. That also provides a deterrent and makes our community feel safe at night," Ramirez said.
Director Ramirez said this task force is different from others because it's targeting a wave of violence like we haven't seen before. "What we're seeing now is a different type of violence. Now we're seeing a more brazen type of violence, a more reckless and more targeted," he said.
Also in the crosshairs of police is a stepped-up concentration on social media, where many times taunting and threats lead to deadly violence.
"To monitor social media, to learn ahead of time where these gatherings might occur and where there might be retaliation," added Mayor Levine Cava.
The initiative to stop the violence will also mean more surveillance cameras in hot areas and code enforcement shutting down illegal businesses. But the prime focus is on criminals. "We're coming after you," said Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo.
Watch the press conference in its entirety:
"I can tell you... all our investigators working. Miami Beach, my guys are talking to them every day. Coral Gables, you name it, we are working together," he said.
People who've experienced deadly violence in their families firsthand are optimistic.
Tangela Sears is the founder of Mothers of Murdered Children. Her son was killed. "I believe justice is coming, it may not today, it may not be next week or month. But I believe justice is on its way thanks to what's being built here today," she said.
Romania Dukes son was killed, she too is part of Mothers of Murdered Children. She reminds the public that a key element in this is the community's help by calling in tips and leads. "I'm here to say stop the silence, the silence must stop now. You give us justice if you speak up. If you see something say something," Dukes said.
If you have information on any of the recent shootings, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at 305-471-TIPS. You will remain anonymous.
Memorial Day Weekend was one of the most violent in recent history.
A mass shooting by three masked suspects outside a banquet hall in Northwest Miami-Dade left two dead and 21 wounded, including three who were hospitalized in critical condition. Now a second vehicle is believed to be involved.
A drive-by shooting on Friday, May 28 killed one person and injured six others outside a venue in the Wynwood area. Another shooting on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach on Monday night left two people hurt. Two arrests have been made.
