Officers opened fire on a shoplifting suspect after he tried to run them over in an Aventura Target parking lot Tuesday morning, officials said.
The incident happened at the store at 21265 Biscayne Boulevard, after a loss prevention officer spotted the shoplifter around 10:30 a.m.
The officer called police to help stop the man and as officers arrived, the suspect got into a car and tried to hit the officers, officials said.
The police officers opened fire on the car, knocking out the back windshield. The suspect fled the scene.
Officers fired at least a dozen shots, officials said.
"In this instance the vehicle was being used as a weapon in order to cause harm and or death to two of our officers," Aventura Police Capt. Michael Bentolila said.
The officers weren't injured and police are looking for the suspect, who was in a black four-door Acura TL with tinted windows.
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The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Jimmy J. Daniel, was later taken into custody in North Lauderdale, police said. It's unknown what charges he'll face.
"The safety and security of our guests is a top priority for Target. We take these matters very seriously and we are partnering with local law enforcement on this incident," Target said in a statement.
Police said the suspect is a known shoplifter who has been seen at Target stores all over South Florida. He typically steals high-end electronics and other items, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
