Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz of Miami-Dade County identified on Saturday the man who killed officer Devin Jaramillo during a traffic incident that occurred on Friday in Kendall.
At a press conference, the sheriff shared preliminary details about this case and emphasized the importance of dispelling certain rumors that have emerged. She first pointed out that it was not an ambush of the officer.
The incident occurred around 3:50 PM on Friday, when Jaramillo, 27, responded to a minor traffic accident in the area of Southwest 122nd Avenue and 128th Street. The officer and his assailant, who was directly involved in the accident, began a verbal argument that escalated into a struggle.
During the confrontation, the man managed to seize the officer's weapon and shot him multiple times. He then returned to his vehicle and shot himself. Jaramillo was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he died shortly after from his injuries.
Miami Herald reported that the suspect has been identified as Steven David Rustrian, 21 years old. According to police records, he had no criminal history in Florida, although online databases suggest he may be linked to a police chase in New York in May.
Cordero-Stutz will not release any further details regarding the possible background of the suspect until the investigation progresses.
"Behind the uniform, we are human. I want to tell you a little about Devin Jaramillo, a hero born here in South Florida. He was smart, handsome, an athlete. He graduated from Killian High School and then from the University of Central Florida with Magna Cum Laude, the highest honors one can achieve," he pointed out.
"He's a young man who could have done anything he wanted with his professional career, but he chose to dedicate himself to serving our community and paid with his life. I urge our community to continue praying for us because we need it," the Sheriff expressed with emotion.
Filed under:
