A 21-year-old man was hospitalized after a North Miami Beach police officer opened fire during what investigators say began as a hoax stabbing call.
Authorities responded around 9:40 a.m. Saturday to a report of a male stabbing victim on the 1600 block of 164th Street. Upon arrival, officers found no victim, but encountered the man, later identified as Roosevelt Joseph, wielding a knife.
Police Chief Juan Pinillos said officers gave multiple verbal commands for Joseph to drop the weapon before the encounter escalated and officers opened fire, striking him.
“It appears the call was bogus, possibly placed by the suspect,” Pinillos said. “He looked like he wanted the encounter with the police officers.”
Radio dispatch recordings indicate Joseph may have admitted to fabricating the call. “There’s no one stabbed. He lied and contacted the police. He tried to stab,” an officer said over the radio.
Family members told Local 10 News that Joseph struggles with mental health issues. His father said he has not been able to see his son since he was admitted and underwent surgery. Joseph was listed in stable condition as of Sunday morning.
The incident is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, as is standard protocol. Investigators noted that Joseph could face charges, though no formal identification or charges have been released.
“This is still fresh. We’re still trying to piece everything together. It could have been a suicide by cop or someone in a mental crisis seeking a different alternative,” Pinillos said.
