Police Officer Gunned Down In Jewish Florida Neighborhood

EMERALD HILLS, FLORIDA (VINnews) — A 28-year-old police officer was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sunday night in Hollywood, Florida.

The tragic incident unfolded in the neighborhood of Emerald Hills, which is home to the largest Jewish community in Hollywood.

Local residents tell VINnews that police were responding to calls related to an individual who was allegedly going through the neighborhood on a bicycle, trying to open car doors and steal whatever he could get his hands on. This came following an uptick of car theft incidents in the same neighborhood.

According to Hollywood Police Chief Chris O’Brien, a group of officers were dispatched to the neighborhood at approximately 10:30 PM on Sunday evening. After conducting a search through the neighborhood, officers caught up with 18-year-old suspect Jason Banegas. Amid a struggle with the suspect, an officer was shot.

The officer was rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital, where his long-time girlfriend worked as a nurse, but tragically he succumbed to his injuries.

The officer has been identified as 28-year-old Officer Yandy Chirino.

Chirino’s body was transferred the Broward County medical examiner’s office in Dania Beach on Monday afternoon while accompanied by a large motorcade procession.

“He was a great officer and will have a lasting impact on our community,” Chief O’Brien said, adding that Chirino “gave his life honorably and without hesitation.”

“To Officer Chirino’s family, I offer you my deepest condolences,” O’Brien said. “Your son selflessly devoted his life to law enforcement. He was a great officer and will leave a lasting impact on our community. I know that there are no words that can comfort the pain that your family is feeling right now, and that pain extends here with his brothers and sisters at our department. The Hollywood Police family will stand beside you in the difficult days ahead and will always carry Officer Chirino’s legacy.”

Emerald Hills Jewish residents tell VINnews that the shooting death is a big blow, as the Jewish community enjoys a very warm and close relationship with the Hollywood Police Department.