Preparedness
Miami Homeowner Defends Property From Fleeing Crash Suspect
A Miami homeowner found himself in a tense situation when a stranger trespassed into his backyard. The incident unfolded after Whitney Liberal, 34, was reportedly involved in a car accident on Interstate 75 near Northwest 186th Street. According to police, Liberal and two others fled the scene of the crash, with Liberal eventually jumping a fence and entering a residential property in the 18000 block of Northwest 91st Court.
The homeowner, alerted by his dog’s barking, noticed that a ladder had been moved to lean against a wall in his backyard, which borders the interstate. Concerned for his safety, the homeowner armed himself and confronted Liberal around 6 a.m.
Police reported that the homeowner fired two shots when Liberal allegedly refused to show his hands, striking him in the leg.
“My neighbor was on the balcony with a gun and a lantern,” shared neighbor Alfonso Nieto, describing the dramatic scene.
The homeowner, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed his surprise at the situation.
“It’s the first time in 30 years, and thankfully it wasn’t robbing — it was him escaping from something he did before.”
Liberal later informed investigators that he was trying to call his girlfriend to pick him up after fleeing the crash scene. He also mentioned sustaining a foot injury during the accident.
During their search, police discovered marijuana and pills resembling ecstasy in Liberal’s possession.
As of Monday afternoon, Liberal was receiving medical treatment for his injuries and was in the process of being booked into jail. He faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance, trespassing, and possession of cannabis.
The incident has left the community in shock, as noted by neighbor Ofelia Martinez.
“It was shocking because nothing like that ever happens in this community.”
Watch a local news report about the incident below:
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