Teen Injured in Shooting by Miami-Dade Deputy

Family questions sheriff's account of confrontation that led to gunfire

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:23am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on the ground, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The aftermath of a police shooting that left a 15-year-old boy injured, raising questions about the use of force and the need for transparency.Today in Miami

A confrontation between Miami-Dade deputies and a group of four teens in a Goulds neighborhood ended in a shooting that left a 15-year-old boy injured. The sheriff's office said the teen was armed with a gun, but the family disputes this claim and wants answers about what led to the shooting.

Why it matters

This incident raises concerns about use of force by law enforcement against minors and the need for transparency and accountability when such confrontations occur. The differing accounts from authorities and the teen's family highlight the importance of thorough, independent investigations into police shootings.

The details

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a 911 call about a gun threat at a park and located several individuals matching the description. A confrontation ensued, and one deputy discharged their weapon, grazing the 15-year-old boy's ankle. Authorities said they recovered a gun with an extended magazine at the scene. However, the teen's family members dispute the sheriff's account, saying the teens were not armed and did not shoot at deputies. They question why deputies approached the group in unmarked cars and immediately resorted to gunfire.

  • The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
  • The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will lead the investigation into the shooting.

The players

Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency responsible for the shooting incident.

Fernand Charles Jr.

Assistant Sheriff of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, who provided the official account of the shooting.

Asia Spann

The 15-year-old boy's aunt, who questioned the sheriff's office's version of events.

Darryl Collins

A relative of the 15-year-old boy, who expressed disbelief at the deputies' claims that the teen was armed.

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What they’re saying

“I want to know why they come in unknown cars, jump out and went to shooting?”

— Asia Spann, Aunt of the 15-year-old boy

“They said he had a pistol, but I don't believe it because it's unbelievable. And then my grandson? No, he don't get in no problems with nobody.”

— Darryl Collins, Relative of the 15-year-old boy

“At the end of the day, we need to make sure we're mindful of what our children are doing day in and day out. Because it is 3:30 in the afternoon and a 15-year-old is walking around with a firearm, which is not legal or acceptable by any means.”

— Fernand Charles Jr., Assistant Sheriff, Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office

What’s next

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement will lead the investigation into the shooting to determine the full details and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The takeaway

This shooting highlights the ongoing tensions and concerns around the use of force by law enforcement, especially against minors. The differing accounts from the authorities and the teen's family underscore the need for thorough, independent investigations to ensure transparency and accountability when such confrontations occur.