CORAL GABLES, FLA. (WSVN) – Four people, including a UPS driver, have died after a police chase ended with gunfire in Miramar after officers pursued alleged armed robbery subjects from Coral Gables, according to the FBI.
Coral Gables Police responded to a shooting outside of a jewelry store along the 300 block of Miracle Mile at around 4:15 p.m., Thursday.
7SkyForce HD flew over the scene were police tape was wrapped around Regent Jewelers and markers were placed along the alleyway behind the store, Thursday afternoon.
According to police, two subjects allegedly robbed Regent Jewelers in the area of Le Jeune Road.
Coral Gables Police Chief Ed Hudak said the subjects fled north in a U-Haul to the area of 1261 Mariana Ave. where they abandoned the vehicle and abducted a UPS truck and its driver. The driver was making a delivery at the time of the carjacking, police said.
Shortly after the call went out, police found the alleged armed robbery subjects driving along the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike in a UPS delivery truck and gave chase.
The high-speed chase ended on Miramar Parkway just east of Flamingo Road in Miramar.
7Skyforce HD flew over the scene where the alleged subjects could be seen exchanging gunfire with officers.
FBI Special Agent in Charge George Piro said in a news conference that the two subjects and two innocent civilians have died.
UPS has released a statement upon learning of the death of one of their employees.
“We are deeply saddened to learn a UPS service provider was a victim of this senseless act of violence. We extend our condolences to the family and friends of our employee and the other innocent victims involved in this incident. We appreciate law enforcement’s service and will cooperate with the authorities as they continue the investigation.”
Two other people suffered minor injuries from a motor vehicle crash, were not shot and refused transport, according to fire rescue.
Hudak held a press conference outside of the jewelry store after the chase ended. He said the subjects exchanged gunfire with the store’s owner.
According to Hudak, a female employee in the store was injured during the robbery. She was transported to a local hospital with injuries that are not considered to be life-threatening. Police said they cannot confirm if the woman was shot.
Hudak said at least one bullet hit Coral Gables City Hall, which is located across the street from the jewelry store. The building was placed on lockdown, and no injuries were reported at city hall.
Miami-Dade Police, the FBI, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miramar Police, Pembroke Pines Police and Coral Gables Police are investigating the case.
Police are asking drivers to avoid the area due to a large police presence on the scene.
Miramar Police said no law enforcement officers were injured.
The FBI has since taken the lead on the investigation.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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