Body Camera Video Shows Friendly Fire between Two Miami Beach Officers on Venetian Causeway
Accidental Shooting Occurs during Arrest Attempt
In a shocking turn of events, body camera footage has captured the moment when a Miami Beach police officer shot his fellow officer on the Venetian Causeway in March 2024. The friendly fire occurred when Officer Fabio Bolanos responded to a scene where his coworker, Officer Shenaqua Stringer, was struggling with a possibly armed suspect.
The Incident
The body camera footage shows Bolanos getting out of his police cruiser and trying to grab the suspect. "Get on the ground now!" Stringer yells at the suspect. However, an accidental bullet pops off from Stringer’s gun and hits Bolanos in the lower leg. The officer begins moaning in pain as blood starts to stain the floor.
Response and Treatment
Stringer quickly reacts to the situation, informing dispatchers, "I have an officer down on the Venetian. He’s shot in the leg." The wounded Bolanos is heard moaning in pain, "Oooohhhh! Ahhhhh! Ahhh." The body camera footage also captures the suspect’s comments on what just occurred, "You (expletive) up!"
Investigation
According to a memo from the State Attorney’s Office, despite the initial calls about the suspect being possibly armed, "the item reported to possibly be a small revolver or firearm was in fact a metallic lighter." The memo also stated that the accidental shooter, Stringer, did not have her body-worn camera activated at the time of the shooting.
Aftermath
As officers wait for police to arrive, Stringer focuses on the suspect. "Hey, the blood’s dripping on me. Please!" the suspect says. "Put your hands behind your back! Now!" Stringer responds. With a fresh bullet wound and unbearable pain, Bolanos helps hold down the suspect while also needing medical help. "Hurry up, because I need a tourniquet!" Bolanos urges Stringer. "I know. Hold on," Stringer replies.
Consequences
The City of Miami cops arrived shortly after, and the responding officers immediately got into rescue mode to help save their fellow officers. "What’s your name, bro?" a Miami Police Officer asks. "Fabio," Bolanos responds. "Alright, Fabio, I got you. You’re gonna be all right. You’re gonna be all right," the officer says. The responding officers quickly get Bolanos into a cruiser and head to the nearest hospital.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the risks and unpredictability of law enforcement, where even a split-second mistake can lead to devastating consequences. Despite the pain and suffering, Bolanos has since returned to his job, and 7News is told that he may be taking legal action soon.
FAQs
- What happened during the incident?
A: Officer Fabio Bolanos was accidentally shot by his fellow officer, Shenaqua Stringer, during an arrest attempt on the Venetian Causeway. - Was the incident intentional?
A: No, the shooting was accidental, and Stringer did not have her body-worn camera activated at the time of the shooting. - What was the suspect’s item, which was initially reported to be a firearm?
A: A metallic lighter. - What happened to Officer Bolanos after the incident?
A: He was taken to the hospital and has since returned to his job, but may be taking legal action soon.
