What to Know
- Jason Banegas, 18, is facing felony murder and other charges in connection with the fatal shooting of Hollywood police officer Yandy Chirino
- Banegas made his first appearance in court Tuesday, where he was ordered held without bond
- During the hearing, a prosecutor said Banegas had been released from jail around 30 days ago and is currently on juvenile probation out of Miami-Dade on burglary, trespassing and possession of cocaine charges
An 18-year-old charged in the fatal shooting of a Hollywood police officer made his first appearance in court Tuesday where he was ordered held without bond.
Jason Banegas wore a protective vest during his appearance before Broward Judge Tabitha Blackmon.
Banegas is facing felony murder, armed burglary, battery on a law enforcement officer, carrying a concealed firearm violation, grand theft of a firearm, and resisting arrest with violence in the Sunday night incident that left Officer Yandy Chirino dead.
Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters.
Authorities said the 28-year-old Chirino was shot during an altercation with Banegas after responding to a call of a suspicious incident.
"I am going to hold him no bond based on these allegations that the victim officer was allegedly shot in the face which led to his ultimate demise during this struggle with Mr. Banegas," Judge Blackmon said.
Local
During the bond court hearing, a prosecutor said Banegas had been released from jail around 30 days ago and is currently on juvenile probation out of Miami-Dade on burglary, trespassing and possession of cocaine charges.
Banegas was appointed a public defender who requested a mental health screening for Banegas and invoked his right to remain silent.
Residents of the neighborhood where the shooting happened said they'd seen Banegas riding through the neighborhood on a bicycle trying to open car doors not long before the altercation.
According to an arrest warrant, Banegas had unlawfully entered a home's covered carport to steal a red bike while he was in possession of a handgun that had been stolen in Miami-Dade County in September.
When Chirino responded to the neighborhood, Banegas "did knowingly, willfully and violently fight and resist" Chirino while Banegas was in possession of the firearm which he discharged, hitting Chirino.
At a news conference Monday, Hollywood Police Chief Chris O'Brien said Chirino was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.
Other officers who responded took Banegas into custody, and a firearm was recovered at the scene, O'Brien said.
O'Brien called the incident "one of the darkest moments in our department's history."
Chirino had been with the department since 2017 and had been named Officer of the Month in June 2020.
"He was a great officer and will leave a lasting impact on our community," O'Brien said. "Today, Officer Chirino will always be remembered for his selfless actions and his sacrifice to our community."
