Investigation underway after off-duty Florida corrections officer exchanges gunfire during early-morning confrontation in West Perrine

What happened

Miami-Dade authorities are investigating a shooting incident that unfolded early Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the West Perrine area of southwest Miami-Dade County. The confrontation involved an off-duty Florida Department of Corrections officer and an unidentified suspect who fled before deputies arrived.

Deputies responded at about 6:50 a.m. to reports of gunfire near Southwest 112th Avenue and Southwest 170th Terrace. At the scene, investigators located a man who was not injured. Authorities described the incident as a “non-contact shooting,” indicating that shots were fired but no one was struck or otherwise physically harmed during the exchange.

Preliminary sequence described by investigators

Based on initial findings released Saturday morning, the off-duty corrections officer was jogging with a woman when an unknown person in an unknown vehicle approached them. Investigators said the encounter escalated into a dispute involving the woman and then a verbal confrontation.

Authorities said the suspect produced a firearm and fired at the off-duty officer. The officer returned fire. The suspect then fled the area in the vehicle, and no suspect description or direction of travel was publicly released in the initial briefing.

What is confirmed so far

• The incident occurred on the morning of January 31, 2026, in West Perrine near SW 112th Avenue and SW 170th Terrace.
• The person identified at the scene was an off-duty Florida Department of Corrections officer.
• Gunfire was exchanged; authorities reported no injuries.
• The suspect left the scene before law enforcement could detain or identify them.

What remains unknown

Investigators have not released the names or ages of the people involved, the type of firearm used, how many shots were fired, or whether any property was damaged. It is also not publicly clear whether the off-duty officer was carrying under agency authorization, personal licensure, or another legal basis, or whether any surveillance video captured the incident.

Authorities described the episode as a “non-contact shooting,” reflecting that shots were fired but no one was physically injured.

How the case may proceed

Shooting investigations typically include canvassing for witnesses and video, collecting shell casings and other ballistic evidence, and documenting statements from all available parties. Detectives also seek to determine whether the suspect’s actions meet elements of aggravated assault, attempted homicide, or other charges, and whether the returning gunfire was legally justified under Florida law. No arrests were announced Saturday morning.

Anyone with information was asked to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.

This is a developing story and will be updated as authorities release additional verified details.