Miami-Dade authorities searching for "armed and dangerous" suspect after county employee shooting

Nathan J. Cooper allegedly shot a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department worker, who remains in critical condition

Mar. 19, 2026 at 10:33am

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The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help in locating Nathan J. Cooper, who they describe as "armed and dangerous" following the shooting of a county employee earlier this week. The shooting took place at an apartment complex in northwest Miami-Dade, where investigators say two men got into a fight and one pulled out a gun and shot the other, who is a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department employee and is currently in critical condition at a hospital.

Why it matters

Violent crimes against public employees are concerning for the community, as they can impact public services and raise questions about safety in the area. The search for the alleged shooter is an active investigation that the sheriff's office is asking the public to assist with.

The details

According to investigators, the shooting occurred on Tuesday evening at an apartment complex along Northwest 4th Avenue and 84th Street in northwest Miami-Dade. Two men got into a fight, and one of them, identified as Nathan J. Cooper, allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the other, who is an employee of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. The victim was rushed to the hospital and remains in critical condition.

  • The shooting took place on Tuesday evening.

The players

Nathan J. Cooper

The suspect who is described by authorities as "armed and dangerous" and is being sought in connection with the shooting of a Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department employee.

Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department employee

The victim of the shooting, who remains in critical condition at a hospital.

Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation and search for the suspect.

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What they’re saying

“Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Cooper is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.”

— Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The judge will decide on Cooper's bail status once he is apprehended.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the risks that public employees can face and the importance of community cooperation in helping law enforcement locate dangerous suspects to ensure public safety.