Video of Growhouse Shootout That Left Miami-Dade Detective Injured and Suspect Dead Released By Prosecutors

Shocking video shows wild shootout that left homeowner dead, officer severely injured

Dramatic video of a police shootout outside a marijuana growhouse last year that left one suspect dead and a Miami-Dade officer severely wounded was released by prosecutors Thursday.

The video, posted on the Miami Herald website, shows the July 2012 exchange of gunfire between homeowner Gerardo Delgado and authorities, including Miami-Dade Det. John Saavedra, who suffered gunshot wounds to his abdomen and had to be airlifted to Ryder Trauma Center.

In the video, taken from cameras at the growhouse in the 6000 block of Southwest 22nd Street, Delgado is seen getting into a car moments before Saavedra and other detectives arrive and begin questioning another man, Luis Lazaro Estevanell, who exited the house.

No Bond for Man Charged in Deadly Police Shootout

As the officers question Estevanell, an armed Delgado left the car and began to shot at the officers, who returned fire. Delgado attempts to hide behind a tree before a bullet catches him in the head area, knocking him to the ground.

Delgado spends a few minutes writhing around on the ground as Estevanell emerges with his hands in the air. He later died at the scene.

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Police later said they recovered 80 pounds of marijuana from the home.

Estevanell, 60, has been charged with second-degree felony murder, marijuana trafficking and cocaine possession and is being held without bond. The video was played during a Thursday bond hearing for Estevanell, who is expected back in court Friday.

Miami-Dade Police told NBC 6 South Florida Thursday that Saavedra hasn't returned to work and is still recovering from his injuries.

The release of the video Thursday had some neighbors shocked at what took place just steps away from their homes.

"It's totally mindblowing, just like it was a movie," Jameson Heindrich said.

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