Police swarm South Miami-Dade home looking for a barricaded person. No one was inside
Police swarmed a Homestead home with high-powered rifles and tear gas Thursday, expecting to arrest a wanted fugitive believed to be barricaded inside. But when authorities tore inside, they found no one.
Sometime Thursday, Homestead police officers were tasked with surveilling Jeffery Williams, spokesperson Officer Raul Rodriguez said.
Williams, 38, is a convicted felon, police said, with a “violent history.” He is currently wanted on multiple charges of assault, battery and possession of a firearm.
While surveilling, the officers determined Williams possibly blockaded himself in a home at 26003 SW 169th Ct. Given the housing project was in Naranja, outside of Homestead police’s jurisdiction, they called Miami-Dade police for assistance.
Miami-Dade police rolled into the neighborhood with three armored vehicles and SWAT teams ready to talk the alleged barricaded man out or force their way in.
The hours-long operation commenced.
A possible negotiator could be heard speaking on a megaphone, though the talking was interrupted by brief, loud, unidentifiable bangs. Tactical officers broke glass and threw tear gas canisters.
When they finally made their way inside, they discovered an empty home, Rodriguez said. Williams was not there.
The commotion drew a large crowd of residents from nearby neighborhoods. More than 20 people huddled on a street corner near the scene with cellphones out and recording.
Several neighbors told the Miami Herald they had never seen such a heavy police presence in the area before.
Homestead police are urging the community to stay vigilant and not approach Williams. If spotted, promptly call the department’s non-emergency line at 305-257-1535 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
This story was originally published June 13, 2024 at 3:33 PM.
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