Holly MatkinHollywood, FL – Hollywood Police Department (HPD) Officer Yandy Chirino was murdered in the line of duty while responding to a suspicious incident call on Sunday night.
The HPD confirmed the 28-year-old officer’s death at a press conference on Monday morning.
The fatal encounter occurred in the 4100-block of North Hills Drive at approximately 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 as officers were investigating a “suspicious incident,” Hollywood Police Department (HPD) spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi told the Miami Herald.
Details regarding what occurred immediately after police arrived at the scene have not been released, but officers soon ended up in an altercation with a gunman later identified as 18-year-old Jason Banegas, HPD Chief Chris O’Brien said during a press conference on Monday morning.
Investigators said Banegas shot Officer Chirino during the encounter, WTVJ reported.
The wounded officer was loaded into a police vehicle and rushed to Memorial Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injures.
“The medical staff there worked tirelessly to save his life, but the injuries were too severe and Officer Chirino passed away,” Chief O’Brien said.
Banegas, who has an extensive criminal history, was apprehended by police and his firearm was recovered at the scene, according to the chief.
He now faces a slew of charges, including first-degree murder, grand theft of a firearm, armed burglary, and battery on a law enforcement officer, among other offenses, WTVJ reported.
Officer Chirino served the HPD for four years, the department said in a Facebook post on Monday.
“Last night Officer Chirino died in the line of duty while responding to a call for help,” the post said. “Officer Chirino will be remembered for his selfless actions and his sacrifice. He gave his life honorably and without hesitation, protecting those in our community.”
He had an “outstanding work ethic” and was awarded five commendations during his short career, according to the HPD.
Officer Chirino was also named Officer of the Month in June of last year.
“We offer our deepest sympathies to Officer Chirino’s family,” the HPD said. “Your son selflessly devoted his life to law enforcement, was a great officer and will leave a lasting impact on our community.”
“There are no words that can comfort the pain your family is feeling right now. Please know that pain extends here, with his brothers and sisters at our Department,” the agency continued. “The Hollywood Police Department Family will stand beside you in the difficult days ahead and will always carry on your son’s legacy.”
Today is a sad day for our Hollywood community, and particularly for our Hollywood Police Department Family. Please share in our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino who died in the line of duty last night. pic.twitter.com/1EtpNjD216
— City of Hollywood,FL (@cohgov) October 18, 2021
We extend our deepest condolences to our family in blue over at the @HollywoodFLPD during this difficult time. Our thoughts & prayers are with the family, friends & colleagues of Ofc. Yandy Chirino, who paid the ultimate sacrifice while heroically serving his community. 💙🖤 pic.twitter.com/EZWgDXHE2E
— Miami PD (@MiamiPD) October 18, 2021
Rest In Peace: Police Officer Yandy Chirino. Hollywood Police Department, Florida. End of Watch Sunday, October 18, 2021. @HollywoodFLPD @cohgov @PoliceOne @ODMP #BlueLivesMatter #officerdown pic.twitter.com/rPHnZpjXkM
— R Cook (@retiredNCSHP) October 18, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Hollywood Police Department Officer Yandy Chirino, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Officer Yandy Chirino, your life mattered.
Sandy Malone
