MIAMI GARDENS — A police officer from South Florida was shot in an ambush attack Friday morning. The shooting took place near Northwest 183rd Street.
Chief Antonio Brooklen said the officer, David Starling, was filling out a crash report when a black BMW passed by and ambushed the officer.
Brooklen reported that officers arrested a suspect after a car chase that ended when the suspect’s vehicle crashed, and he fled on foot.
“If you have that much hate and aggression to attempt to assassinate a police officer who is paid to protect and serve, there is no justification for it. None whatsoever,” Brooklen said at a news conference.
“None of our officers discharged any weapon because we didn’t have an opportunity to,” Brooklen said.”
Starling, aged 52, suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and was admitted to a local hospital.
It is reported that at least eight shots were fired at the police vehicle.
According to Local 10 News, the FBI is at the Miami Gardens Police Department to question the suspect about the possibility that the ambush was a terrorist act.
The suspects has been identified as 24-year-old David Mejia of Aventura.
He was arrested on multiple charges, according to local10, the charges include attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, aggravated assault and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
A motive has not been confirmed. The investigation is ongoing.
