Four men have been taken into custody after a Miami-Dade police officer was shot during a narcotics investigation at an apartment complex in West Miami Tuesday evening.
The Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed the police-involved shooting happened just before 7 p.m. in the area of Southwest 67th Avenue and 20th Street.
The officer was conducting an investigation with the department's narcotics bureau and the Drug Enforcement Administration and was standing in front of an apartment door when they were met with gunfire, Miami-Dade Police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta said.
The officers returned fire and during the shootout, the Miami-Dade officer was shot in the ear.
“Once the shots rang, of course our priority was the well being of our officers and of course the safety of the residents,” said Zabaleta. “They were able to contain a visual on that apartment that’s why we believed the person or persons remained inside of that apartment.”
The officer was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition and later released.
"Through the grace of God our officer is in good condition right now," Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said.
Officials said the shooter remained inside the apartment and the Special Response Team, along with Hostage Negotiators responded to the scene.
After several hours the suspect surrendered, was taken into custody and transported to JMH Ryder Trauma Center with an apparent gunshot wound. His condition was unknown.
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Three other suspects were arrested as part of the narcotics investigation, police said. All four suspects are men in their 20s, officials said.
Officials haven't released the identity of the officer who was shot.
"I would like to thank the JMH doctors here who were quick, steadfast, and also the officers that were on the scene and brought him to the hospital in safe manner," Ramirez said. "I ask the community to please pray for him and his family. We have his back and I expect the community has his back as well."
This is a developing story. Check back with NBC 6 for updates.
