Sep 14, 2007 1:41 am US/Eastern
Search For Suspected Cop Killer Ends
Deceased Suspect: 25-year-old Shawn Sherwin LaBeet
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CUTLER BAY (CBS4) ―
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Suspect vehicle found parked in a Target parking lot in Broward
CBS
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Shooting Suspect Shawn Sherwin Labeet
MIAMI DADE POLICE DEPT.
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Officers injured following a failed technical operation in cutler bay
CBS
Shortly after midnight sources confirmed to
CBS4 News that Miami-Dade SWAT officers shot and killed suspected cop killer Shawn LaBeet in the Pembroke Pines Area, almost 12 hours after he allegedly murdered a Miami-Dade Police officer and injured three others.
As the sun set Thursday, police across the state of Florida continued their massive manhunt LaBeet, but the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Miami-Dade Police Director Robert Parker were able to breath a sight of relief, knowing the public, and officers were no longer in danger.
"We are pleased to announce to the public that Mr. LaBeet has been apprehended," said Police Director Robert Parker. "Unfortunately he is deceased; unfortunately he chose to confront our police officers for a second time."
Earlier in the day police in Broward followed a lead and found a 2007 black Pontiac Vibe, (Florida Tag #W59-EPT) which was believed to be driven by the suspect, at the parking lot of a Target store near Oakland Park Boulevard and Federal Highway in Oakland Park.
However, the car had been rented by the 25-year-old suspect's brother, Shane. They questioned the Shane LaBeet and the gjrlfriend of the suspect, along with children that were with them.
At first, investigators incorrectly identified the suspected shooter as 30-year-old Kevin Wehner. But Miami-Dade Commander Linda O'Brien said Wehner is actually hundreds of miles away in the Jacksonville area and is not involved in the shootings in Cutler Bay.
''It appears we have been misled about (the suspect's) initial identity,'' Miami-Dade's O'Brien said. She said she was glad Wehner stepped forward quickly. "It appears LaBeet had obtained his ID.''
The four officers originally were conducting burglary surveillance when they stopped the man at SW 281st Street and 136th Court, because he was driving a car erratically. He then opened fire. In the exchange of gunfire, four officers were shot.
Miami-Dade Detective Robert Williams says two of the officers were in plainclothes and two were in uniform.
Jody Wright, a 32-year-old-female officer who had been on the force just over a year, was airlifted to JMH's Ryder Trauma Center. She was undergoing surgery for what is described as 'massive' injuries to her leg.
Her father, Dennis Dalley, spoke early Thursday evening with
CBS4's Carey Codd and said doctors told him her leg will require substantial surgical repair, but said "they will be able to save the leg." She is expected to be able to walk again.
The other officers were taken to various hospitals including Baptist and Homestead hospitals. The officer at Baptist has been treated and released.
Officer Jose Somohano, 37, died at the hospital. Tomas Tundidor, and 34-year-old Christopher Carlin were treated and released at other local area hospitals.
"This is a worst nightmare for an officer, our prayers go out to the officers and their families," said Det. Williams.
The injured officers are in need of blood and there's a blood drive scheduled for Friday at the Mobile Blood Bank which will be located at the South Miami Police station, 6130 Sunset Drive, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Alvarez spoke to reporters at the scene of the crime and said "This is a truly sad day for Miami-Dade County." He went on to say that Shawn LaBeet was not a person of interest but was indeed a suspect in this shooting and police needed the public's help.
Immediately after the shooting, police say LaBeet got back in his car and sped off heading down the Turnpike.
Every exit of the turnpike extension in South Miami-Dade south of Southwest 152nd Street was closed. Traffic was at a standstill but it has since reopened. The white Honda Accord with a black hood that he was in, was located in the area of SW 203rd Street and 129th Avenue on a small road lining the bank of Black Creek Canal, however, it was empty. The front windshield of the vehicle was smashed.
A weapon O'Brien described as possibly an AK-47 was recovered beneath the car.
Police officers were being advised that the suspect had possibly purchased three assault rifles and a handgun in March, according to CBS4's news partner The Miami Herald.
Shortly after the suspect's car was discovered, police suddenly responded to a nearby home. Dozens of officers surrounded the 2-story home with guns drawn. It appeared officers thought the suspect may have been hiding inside but moments later, officers entered the home through a backdoor and came out empty handed then they left.
A short time later, police ordered a garbage truck to dump its load as officers surrounded the vehicle with guns drawn.
Nearby schools Rainbow Christian Academy and Children's Rainbow Day School, located at 22940 Old Dixie Highway, were placed on a precautionary lockdown, which means the doors were locked and no one is allowed in or out of the school. The Holy Rosary Catholic School, located at 18455 Franjo Road, was also placed on lockdown.
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