Police continue to search for sniper after deadly shooting in southwest Miami-Dade

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Florida. – Police in Southwest Miami-Dade County are investigating a late-morning shootout.

Authorities said three people were shot on Saturday, one of whom was pronounced dead.

Relatives told Local 10 that the sniper and the victims are all relatives.

It happened inside a house and the police remained active in the area while looking for the person who pulled the trigger.

Miami-Dade police responded to the house near 294th Street and 142nd Avenue after reports of gunshots fired shortly after 11 am on Saturday.

When the police arrived, they discovered that three people had been shot and one had died.

“The other adult man and adult woman were transported by the Miami Dade rescue to a critical area hospital,” said Miami-Dade police detective Kristopher Welch.

Surveillance video obtained by Local 10 News shows a neighbor helping an injured woman to escape the violence.

“I think he reacted like a hero because he lied and helped her put her there without putting her life in danger,” said Julio Magallan, whose son-in-law is seen in the video helping the woman who was shot.

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Police said the 18-year-old sniper ran out of the house, prompting police to quickly establish a perimeter while looking for the suspect.

For hours, police officers searched the Southwest Miami Dade neighborhood for air and land in search of the man the police believed to be armed and dangerous.

“The Miami-Dade police recovered two firearms at the scene,” said Det. Welch. “Although we cannot rule out the possibility that the guy is still armed.”

As the search continued, detectives gathered clues and worked to find out what led to the shooting.

“There was a verbal dispute inside the residence that got worse and led to gunfire,” said Det. Welch.

Investigators said the shooter knew his victims, and relatives told Local 10 that they were all members of the family.

Roy Ramos, of the 10 location, spoke with Mike Baker, the suspect’s uncle. Baker said he is still trying to understand why, he said, his nephew, identified as Ruben, opened fire on his own family members.

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“My nephew shot my father and sister,” said Baker. “Now I just heard that my sister’s son must be dead.”

Police have not yet released the suspect’s description.

Baker’s message to his nephew was to stop running from the police.

“I don’t want anyone to hurt you, but what you did, you have to come in, nephew,” said Baker.

Anyone with information or who thinks they may know the suspect should contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.