Federal Agent Shoots, Kills Intruder In Pinecrest Home
Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter
PINECREST (CBSMiami) – Police are investigating a deadly shooting during a home invasion in Pinecrest.
Officers say a Customs and Border patrol agent that was in the home shot and killed the intruder around 2 a.m.
CBS4's Gary Nelson confirmed the agent's identity as Maria Otero whose official title is the Chief of the Miami - Tampa Field Office for Customs and Border Protection.
She has been with customs for at least 25 years and has been the Miami Branch field chief for about 11 years.
Two women, including Otero, were inside of the home near SW 72nd Avenue and 92nd Street at the time.
Police said the agent was awakened by the sound of glass breaking.
"A subject who had broken a sliding glass door confronted the victim inside the residence," said Sgt. Carlos Rosario with Miami-Dade Police.
That's when police say the agent shot the intruder.
"The victim is a Customs and Border Protection officer," Rosario said. "[She] retrieved her firearm, shots were fired and the subject has been deceased here at the residence."
Officers only said the intruder is 28-year-old Robert Young, who has been in trouble before.
He has a string of arrests, including grand theft, carrying a concealed weapon, and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
As for Otero, she is now on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Neighbors waking up to the news were shocked.
"This is Pinecrest. It's not supposed to happen here. It's a very quiet neighborhood," said neighbor Steve Lenard. "It's Miami. It can happen anywhere, not in this neighborhood, but this area has scared me. It is a bit too close to US-1 and it is a quick getaway."
The streets between 72nd Avenue between 92nd and 94th Streets were closed down as police continued their investigations but have since reopened.
Pinecrest Police took the initial call but the case is now being handled by Miami-Dade Police, the State Attorney's office and the U.S. Attorney's office.
