Florida

Reward Increased for Man on the Run After Shooting at Police

$12,500 Reward Offered for Information That Leads to Pryor's Arrest and Prosecution

A man on the loose after police say he shot at officers who were attempting to pick him up for two outstanding probation warrants is considered armed and dangerous, and may be disguising himself as a woman, police say.

Miami-Dade Police urged the public not to approach 30-year-old Matthew Pryor in a press conference held early Wednesday. More than 24 hours of searching for Pryor has turned up empty.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has upped the reward for information that leads to Pryor's arrest and prosecution.

Special Agent in Charge, Hugo Barrera said Wednesday the ATF is offering a $10,000 reward, which brings the total amount, including the reward offered by Crime Stoppers, to $12,500.

According to MDPD Warrants Bureau, officers were attempting to pick up Pryor at 2290 Northeast 136th Street around 9 a.m. Tuesday over two outstanding probation warrants.

As detectives approached Pryor, police said he fled to the back of his apartment and opened fire toward them. Some of the officers returned fire, officials said.

"The subject turned and fired multiple shots at the officer. The officer was able to return fire," said Lt. John Jenkins. No injuries were reported.

"She woke me up and I stayed awake awhile and I kept hearing the pop, pop, pop," said neighbor James Reyes.

Police say Pryor jumped fences and made it to 135th street where he was hit by a car, but was still able to carjack a woman getting ready to leave for work.

Officers were setting up a perimeter when they received a call regarding the carjacking. The description of the suspected carjacker matched Pryor.

According to police, Pryor made off with a silver 2011 Nissan Rogue with Florida tag of E59-5JT. He was last seen driving westbound in that vehicle. Police say it is possible that Pryor has ditched that vehicle and carjacked another.

At his North Miami home Tuesday, his mother Elaine Pryor was in tears. She tried to give an excuse for her son's behavior.

"He's mentally sick, he's afraid," she said, begging for her son to surrender. "Matthew, come home, please or turn yourself in. Please turn yourself in, don't hurt yourself."

Police say this behavior is typical of someone with Pryor's criminal history.

"He is a career criminal. the charges vary from theft, to possession to burlglary charges," Lt. Jenkins said.

Police say he's had more than 20 arrests and 40 charges since 2003.

If you know where Pryor is, you're urged to call Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.

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