Victim Identified in Officer-Involved Shooting in Northwest Miami-Dade: Virgil French

Accident – Death – Obituary News : NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) – The driver involved in an officer-involved shooting in Northwest Miami-Dade has been identified and remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Authorities have also confirmed a second arrest in connection with the incident, which left an officer injured. As new details emerge, the investigation into the incident continues.

According to Miami-Dade Police, the incident began as a routine traffic stop on Friday evening in the area of Northwest 22nd Avenue and 64th Street. The officer attempted to pull over the driver, identified as 38-year-old Virgil French, who was behind the wheel of a white Dodge Challenger. However, French refused to stop and instead crashed into an electric pole.

During a press briefing on Friday night, MDPD Detective Luis Sierra revealed that the suspect used his vehicle to intentionally harm an officer. “Our officers quickly assessed and attempted to make contact. The subject accelerated toward one of our officers, striking him and pinning him against his own vehicle,” said Detective Sierra. “Our officer discharged his firearm, striking the subject.”

Images captured at the scene show the windshield of the Challenger riddled with bullet holes. The injured officer was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital with leg injuries but has since been released.

Virgil French was taken to JMH’s Ryder Trauma Center with multiple gunshot wounds and remains in critical condition. He has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer. During a search of the vehicle, detectives discovered a stolen firearm.

In addition to French, the passenger in the Challenger, identified as 40-year-old Charlie Harris, was also arrested. Harris is facing charges of resisting arrest and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Interestingly, Harris had previously faced charges three years ago for pushing a lit cigarette into his 5-year-old son’s chest over a dispute involving a phone.

A resident in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred witnessed the police pursuit firsthand. She described the white car attempting to flee when it spotted the police. “The white car, basically, it stopped at the stop sign, and once he’s seen the police coming, they just drove by,” she said. “Yeah, I was afraid that someone was going to get hit.”

The neighborhood quickly transformed into a crime scene, with roads blocked off, police tape, and numerous detectives on site. Residents expressed their concerns about the incident, with one neighbor stating, “It’s scary, and I don’t understand the thought process of the person driving the vehicle.”

The injured officer has been released from the hospital and is now recovering at home. Meanwhile, French will be transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center once his condition stabilizes.

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