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Man Charged in North Miami Beach Cop Shooting Asks For Bond Release

The man accused of shooting a North Miami Beach Police officer who was serving a warrant was back in court Thursday.

Elton Bandoo is trying to bond out. Two weeks ago, Judge Jason Bloch issued him a $500,000 bond. But, not only does Bandoo have to come up with 10% or $50,000 of that bond to get out of jail, he will also have to show collateral for the remaining $450,000.

Bandoo's aunt flew in from the Bahamas to help her nephew out by posting the money. She told the court that she works as a bank executive and her family owns part of the bank.

"So the $50,000 was drawn from your pension but you have a separate savings account, and are you willing if the need be to pledge more money?" asked Bandoo's attorney Seth LaVey. Bandoo's aunt, Ivy Lynn Casar answered "absolutely, absolutely."

But, prosecutors were concerned about the security of the bond. And, the bonds woman could not substantiate any funds to back up the promissory notes signed by Bandoo and his family members.

"Is it fair to say that I don't know what any of them have," said bonds woman, Shantea Johnson.

North Miami Beach police arrested Bandoo in February after he shot police officer Lino Diaz. Officer Diaz and a SWAT team were serving a search warrant at Bandoo's home for alleged identity theft and unemployment fraud. Bandoo says, he thought he was being robbed and was defending himself. Officer Diaz recovered from his injuries and earlier this month Governor Scott gave him a commendation for his valor.

The hearing will continue Friday. But, even if Bandoo is able to post a bond, he will still be confined to house arrest with a GPS ankle monitor until his trial.

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