Crime
4 people shot at warehouse in Southwest Miami-Dade, shooter dead
MIAMI-DADE, FL — Law enforcement officials are responding to an active shooting situation at a warehouse in Southwest Miami-Dade that has left several individuals injured, authorities confirmed Thursday afternoon.
The incident unfolded around 1:00 p.m. in the 7300 block of Southwest 45th Street, near the Palmetto Expressway and Bird Road.
The warehouse complex, located in a busy industrial area, quickly became the focus of a major police operation.
According to preliminary reports, at least four individuals were shot during the incident.
The conditions of the victims have not been publicly disclosed at this time, and emergency medical personnel remain on site to provide aid and transport those injured to local hospitals as necessary.
A significant law enforcement response is underway, with the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Special Response Team (SRT) and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office leading efforts to secure the location and apprehend the suspect.
Authorities believe the suspect may still be inside the warehouse, and tactical units are currently working to clear the premises.
Aerial footage from the scene captured images of heavily armed officers surrounding the building and escorting numerous individuals from the premises.
Several people could be seen exiting with their hands raised, complying with law enforcement commands as officers worked to ensure everyone’s safety.
The situation remains fluid and active, with law enforcement treating the scene as an ongoing threat.
Police are urging members of the public and nearby businesses to avoid the area and stay clear of roadways to allow emergency vehicles unimpeded access.
Investigators are currently working to determine the motive behind the shooting and to identify all those involved.
Updates will be provided as additional verified information becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Miami-Dade Police Department or Crime Stoppers immediately.
Crime
Milton Shooting Suspect Made Threats to Police and Posted Concerning Messages Online Prior to Ambush
Gunman took his life while barricaded inside home.
UPDATE: A gunman is dead and a veteran Milton Police officer is wounded this evening after public safety agencies responded to a structure fire on Main Street in Milton, officials said.
The gunman, identified as Aaron LaRoche, 38, of Milton is believed to have taken his own life about 11 p.m., about four hours after he ambushed Patrol Sgt. Paul Locke, officials said.
MILTON, VT — Authorities have identified the individual involved in Wednesday evening’s ambush shooting of a Milton police officer as Aaron LaRoche, a 38-year-old Milton resident with a documented history of mental health concerns and prior threats against law enforcement.
LaRoche is alleged to have opened fire on first responders during a public safety operation at a structure fire at 78 Main Street around 7:00 p.m.
The incident left Sergeant Paul Locke, a veteran of the Milton Police Department, wounded.
He was transported by Milton Rescue with a police escort to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains under medical care.
Initial reports indicate Sgt. Locke was shot from behind while wearing a bullet-resistant vest.
It is also believed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the leg.
Authorities have described his injuries as serious but not life-threatening.
LaRoche, who remains barricaded inside the residence, is known to local law enforcement.
He has a documented history of erratic behavior and has been the subject of multiple online posts that raised red flags among community members and officers.
In the months leading up to the shooting, LaRoche had made several alarming posts on social media platforms, many of which directly tagged Milton Police Department and the Vermont State Police (VSP).
These posts included threats and references to hearing voices, claiming he was under mind control.
The content had been a growing concern for authorities and the public alike.
“This individual had been on our radar due to troubling and threatening behavior online,” a law enforcement official noted. “It’s tragic that those warnings have culminated in violence.”
Following the ambush, the Vermont State Police took command of the active scene.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the ongoing operation, including:
- VSP Major Crime Unit
- Bureau of Criminal Investigations
- Field Force Division
- Tactical Services Unit (SWAT)
- Bomb Squad
- Crisis Negotiation Unit
- Local, county, and federal partners
The situation remains contained to the immediate area around 78 Main Street.
Main Street remains closed between U.S. Route 7 and East/North Road, and officials have urged the public to avoid the area due to heavy police presence and ongoing tactical operations.
VSP’s Victim Services Unit is providing support to Sgt. Locke and his family during this difficult time.
No additional injuries have been reported, and authorities are working to bring the standoff to a peaceful conclusion.
The investigation into LaRoche’s past online behavior and threats is ongoing.
Law enforcement officials are also reviewing whether prior actions could have warranted intervention before the shooting took place.
The Vermont State Police will release more details as they become available.
Media inquiries should be directed to the VSP Public Information Office via email to avoid overwhelming emergency communication channels.