Miami

Woman Helps Police Catch Chase Suspect in SW Miami-Dade

Miami-Dade police got some help from an unlikely partner during a chase that turned into a shooting on Halloween night near Dadeland Mall.

A woman looking out of her balcony led officers to 20-year-old Raziel Binelo, who was hiding in bushes.

It all started around 7:15 p.m. Monday, when an officer ran the tag of the Binelo's car and learned it was stolen. In a news release, Miami-Dade police said officers tried to stop a Cadillac with a stolen license plate, but it refused to stop.

A chase ensued and the Binelo drove down a dead-end near Southwest 84th Street and 72nd Court. That's when police said he reversed toward officers, striking two cars. Two officers fired their guns, hitting the car, police said. 

Investigators said Binelo bailed and ran away on foot.

Virginia Schroer was in her apartment when she heard the commotion outside. 

"I went up on my balcony to look out and by then this place was covered in cops," said Schroer. 

She called the front desk and asked what officers were looking for. She was told the suspect was a man with no shirt and tattoos. 

When Schroer looked out of her balcony she saw a man matching the description hiding in bushes. "I yelled down 'I see a guy with no shirt on!'" explained Schroer. 

The chaos was unfortunate for trick-or-treaters in the normally quiet neighborhood.

"This is Halloween. Of course, what comes to mind when we see this kind of stuff is children in the area. Luckily, no children were in the area, everything went well," said Det. Alvaro Zabaleta.

The stolen car was towed from the scene.

No one was hurt in the shooting and chase. Binelo was arrested and charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, fleeing and eluding from police, resisting arrest, and driving with a suspended license.

It is unknown if he has hired an attorney.

Contact Us