Florida City Detective Kills Man During Confrontation

FLORIDA CITY, FL — A three-year veteran detective with the Florida City Police Department shot and killed a man Wednesday who police described as armed. The incident occurred during an apparent confrontation in an apartment in the 400 block of NW 2 Avenue around 1:15 p.m., according to police. The victim was identified as 23-year-old Juvon Simon.

"Florida City Police Department detectives were conducting a criminal investigation that led them to an apartment complex," explained Detective Lee Cowart of the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Miami-Dade police were handling the investigation on behalf of the Florida City Police Department. The officer was later identified as Detective Frantz Hardy.

"Two investigators made contact with an adult male inside of apartment #4 and a confrontation ensued," Cowart said. "One of the detectives discharged his firearm striking the adult male."

Cowart later said that police recovered an Intratec, TEC-9, high capacity, semi-automatic pistol as well as an AK-47 assault rifle from the apartment.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel pronounced Simon dead at the scene. Neither of the detectives were injured during the incident.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637.

Photo by Paul Scicchitano