Miami Beach

North Miami Beach Officer Shot by Suspect Undergoes Surgery

The North Miami Beach Police officer who was shot in the line of duty underwent surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital Monday.

Surgery for Officer Lino Diaz was expected to last an hour and half and ended up being four hours, but he's okay and recovering. Diaz's sister said doctors put a plate in his arm and a bullet is still lodged in his leg, but doctors tell her it will remain there because surgery on the leg could cause more damage.

"It's his first surgery, so he didn't know what to expect, but he was in good spirits surrounded by family members," sister Suhaill Diaz said.

The veteran North Miami Beach officer was shot in the arm and leg on Friday while serving a search warrant for a federal investigation. Police say Diaz was pulled to safety by fellow officers.

"It's been amazing, there have been police officers from all around, from different departments, just going there just to support him," Suhaill Diaz said.

Support also came in the form of a teddy bear from his 7-year-old daughter, who made sure to encourage dad before surgery. Officials for the City of North Miami Beach say they too stand with Diaz, stating he won't have to worry about any medical expenses.

"We have taken every precaution. When you take two bullets for the city in the line of duty, we need to go above and beyond for Lino, as Lino has done for us," North Miami Beach City Manager Ana Garcia said.

Doctors at Jackson Memorial said he's lucky to be alive, but according to Diaz's family, Friday's dangerous encounter won't stop the officer from returning to the line of duty.

"He just wants to get back to work. That's all he knows, that's all he wants to do," Suhaill Diaz said.

"I feel proud of him, you know if that's what he wants to do, what can I do. I support him 100 percent," father Faustino Diaz said.

Diaz is expected to go home sometime this week, but will need therapy. As for the suspect, 26-year-old Elton Bandoo was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted murder.

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