Names Released Of Two People Killed In Police Involved Shooting
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The names of the two people killed Friday in a police involved shooting near the intersection of SW 56th Street and 117th Avenue have been released.
Yolanda Thomas, 34, and Xavier Tyrell Johnson, 31, were shot after they allegedly robbed a drugstore.
It happened just after 3 p.m. when officers responded to a robbery in progress. Police said Thomas and Johnson tried to escape in a car, but Thomas lost control and crashed into a barricade.
Miami-Dade police spokesman Det. Alvaro Zabaleta said officers were forced to fire when things got dangerous.
"Officers at that point exited their vehicle as they were approaching the subject's vehicle. The female subject attempted to use vehicle to strike another officer. Shots were fired," said Det. Zabaleta.
Valeria Gonzalez heard the shooting.
"We were having lunch and we thought it was just fireworks, some kid setting off fireworks. We came outside and the neighbor said it was gunshots," she said.
Thomas died on the scene. The Johnson was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
