MIAMI (WSVN) – Rescue crews took a young man to the hospital after, police said, he was shot during an encounter with officers near Bayfront Park while a Caribbean music festival was taking place at the venue.
The gunfire sent people scrambling. Cellphone video captures people running and screaming after the shots frightened festivalgoers at the Best of the Best concert, where thousands of people were in attendance, Sunday afternoon.
“It was crazy,” said concertgoer Gigi Gordan.
City of Miami Police Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar later confirmed this was a police-involved shooting.
“One of our officers was on a traffic post when — we’re still investigating exactly what happened — but we know that a vehicle made physical contact with the officer,” said Aguilar. “As a result of that incident, shots were fired.”
Gordan said she heard the gunfire.
“I had to meet my cousin out here, and gunshots are fired, and I’m like, ”unbelievable,’” she said. “Three or four gunshots.”
“I just heard three gunshots,” said a witness who identified herself as Victoria.
“Yes and it’s a shame we’re from Philly [Philadelphia] and we have to come down here see all of the crime when we’re trying to leave crime,” a woman said.
Investigators said the man, who was inside the vehicle, was injured.
Police and paramedics with Miami Fire Rescue responded to the chaos shortly after.
“Our officers immediately provided first aid to the person who was shot,” said Aguilar.
Cellphone video posted on social media by Only in Dade shows a man who appears to be bleeding being put in handcuffs.
Investigators said the man was transported to Ryder Trauma Center, where he underwent surgery.
The officer struck was also sent to the hospital for further care. He suffered minor injuries.
Officials with Miami Fire Rescue said the patient is a 21-year-old man.
Officers cordoned off the area of Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast Second Street for hours while they investigated.
Investigators said the officer involved in the shooting was assigned to direct traffic in this area when the incident took place. He was reportedly struck by the vehicle at around 7:15 p.m. just outside the festival at Biscayne Boulevard and Northeast Second Street.
While it may have been a scare for many, the festival continued on despite the mess.
“It’s just a reminder for everyone that there are dangers in the job that our officers perform, but thankfully, we right now do have the crime scene under control,” said Aguilar.
Police said they are trying to determine how many rounds were fired and whether or not any shots were fired back at the officer. No information has been released about the officer or the person that was shot.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has now taken the lead on the investigation.
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