Miami Beach, Florida — A 17-year-old was fatally shot by a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputy Friday morning while deputies were serving a search warrant at a Miami Beach apartment, prompting an independent investigation by state authorities.
The shooting occurred at an apartment building located at 785 81st Street, where deputies were carrying out a search warrant connected to an investigation involving alleged firearms violations.
Officials say the incident unfolded within moments of deputies entering the residence.
Sheriff Says Teen Emerged Holding a Gun
According to Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz, deputies were executing a search warrant related to alleged firearms offenses involving a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old.
The sheriff said the 17-year-old came out of a bedroom while holding what deputies believed to be a firearm. A deputy then opened fire, fatally striking the teenager.
Authorities have not publicly identified the deceased teen or the deputy involved in the shooting. The sheriff also said both individuals named in the warrant had previous encounters with the criminal justice system.
“These two subjects have extensive criminal pasts for firearms violations. They are currently on probation, they are registered gang members and are wearing ankle monitors,” Cordero Stutz said. “Search warrants are always one of our most dangerous actions that we and all law enforcement face.”
Mother Believes Victim Was Her Son
Following the shooting, Yvonne Warner said she believes the teenager who died was her son, Darrell Young.
Speaking to reporters, Warner acknowledged that her son had experienced legal troubles but said he had recently been working to improve his life.
“From my heart, my baby was everything to me, but he has been in trouble,” Warner said. “He ain’t no saint, but he most definitely was on a different track. He starts school Aug. 13. He just came home from boot camp he’s been doing everything I ask him (to) around the house.”
Her comments reflected the family’s grief while describing what she said were recent efforts by her son to move forward.
State Investigation Underway
As is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings in Florida, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has been assigned to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.
Authorities have not released additional information about the events leading up to the shooting, including whether the firearm allegedly carried by the teen was discharged.
Investigators are expected to review physical evidence, witness statements and body camera footage, if available, before determining the full sequence of events.
Investigation Continues
The identities of the deputy involved and the second individual named in the search warrant have not yet been released. Officials have also not announced whether any additional charges will be filed as the investigation remains active.
The findings from the FDLE investigation will help determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter and whether the deputy’s use of force complied with state law and departmental policy.
What are your thoughts on this incident? As more details emerge through the investigation, what questions do you believe still need to be answered? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
