Good Sam Speaks Out After Saving Cop In Shootout

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A Good Samaritan who helped an officer during a shootout with a Miami cabbie told his story of bravery.

William Ramirez is the Good Samaritan who drove a Miami police officer to safety on Tuesday after police said an angry cab driver had opened fire on the officer with an assault rifle near Northwest 4th Avenue and 79th Street.

Ramirez said the suspect started shooting a few feet from him and his car and the officer who tried to pull the suspect over hid and fired back but was outgunned.

Click here to watch Carey Codd's report. 

"He came out of the car and started shooting," said Ramirez.

Witnesses reported hearing dozens of gunshots. Ramirez opened a car door, let the officer in and sped away.

Ramirez said he drove the shaken and shaking officer several blocks to safety.

"I helped him because I thought that they were firing at him and how was I not to help him, he's a cop," Ramirez said.

A law enforcement source told CBS4 News that the officer has only been on the force for nine months and has a wife and young child. Ramirez said by some miracle neither he nor the officer were hit.

Police Union President Javier Ortiz said Ramirez is a hero.

"The officer's being shot at with an assault rifle and here comes this civilian who is apparently heading to work and sees that the officer's in trouble and put his life on the line," said Ortiz.

Police said the suspect shot an innocent bystander at the first scene before speeding away in the police officer's car.

North Miami Police reportedly confronted the suspect a short time later. Police said the suspect again shot at police and wounded another bystander before cops shot him.

Now, Ramirez is relieved to be home with his family and grateful that the officer he helped can be with his family too.

"The police officer said, 'Thanks to God.' That if it wasn't for me he would have been dead," Ramirez said.

The police union said they want city leaders to honor Ramirez at an upcoming city commission meeting for his actions.

As for the suspect, a law enforcement source said the cab driver suspect underwent surgery and is critical but is expected to survive.

CBS4 was also told that the suspect will likely be charged with at least two counts of attempted murder on a law enforcement officer.