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Hollywood Neighborhood Stunned After Police Officer Yandy Chirino Was Fatally Shot

HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) - A Hollywood police officer was shot and killed Sunday night while on duty.

Officer Yandy Chirino, 28, was shot around 10:30 p.m. Sunday Oct. 17 while he and fellow officers were investigating reports of a 'suspicious incident' on the 4000 block of North Hills Drive, police said.

"When officers got to the scene to get more information about the incident, there was an altercation with the suspect. One of our officers was shot," said Deanna Bettineschi with Hollywood police.

People who live in the neighborhood told CBS4's Brooke Shafer that police were called when neighbors noticed a person on a bicycle pulling on car door handles and attempting to break into cars.

"There was a lot of ruckus. I had a terrible feeling because the helicopter just wouldn't go away all night," said Antonia Moforis, a witness.

They said moments after the shooting, police with guns and K9's surrounded the area, walking through people's backyards.

"It was just very loud outside, we started seeing tons of flashing lights, sirens everywhere, there was a helicopter outside our house," said Meghann Schwartz.

Officer Chirino was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital where he later died.

"Thinking it's just a routine shift for him and then we lose one of our finest. It's beyond horrible," said Mark Langer, a witness.

Flag half staff Hollywood POlice Department
Flag flies at half-staff outside the Hollywood Police Department on Oct. 18, 2021. (CBS4)

On Monday morning, Hollywood police lowered the flag outside their headquarters to half-staff in his honor.

Retired New York Police Detective Richard Didonato stopped by the neighborhood where the shooting took place and left flowers as the investigation continued.

"It's a tragedy. I just wanted to come out and show my respect," he said.

The person accused of shooting Chirino, identified as 18-year-old Jason Banegas, was taken into custody.

Banegas faces a number of charges, including first-degree murder, battery on a law enforcement officer, and armed burglary.

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