MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — Newly released body-worn camera video shows two Miami police officers rushing into a burning apartment moments after an explosion, entering without firefighting equipment in an effort to save a trapped man.
Officers Michael Chacon and Brandon Rodriguez were first to arrive at the scene of a first-floor apartment fire near Northwest 40th Street and 13th Avenue about a week ago, according to Miami police. The footage, obtained by WSVN, captures thick smoke pouring from the unit as the officers duck inside, coughing and calling out to an occupant whose screams could be heard from within.
“We were the first ones on scene,” Chacon said.
Rodriguez said officers did not know whether anyone was inside, but he ran toward the apartment after learning a person may have been trapped. Video shows the officers navigating heavy smoke with no protective gear, water hoses or breathing apparatus.
“Nothing but smoke,” Chacon said. “We ducked. We went in.”
Newly released body-worn camera video captures Miami police officers Michael Chacon and Brandon Rodriguez rushing into a smoke-filled apartment moments after an explosion, entering without firefighting equipment in a desperate attempt to rescue a trapped man. (CNN Newsource)
Rodriguez can be heard coughing as the smoke intensifies. At one point, the officers manage to reach the man and pull him from the apartment, attempting to extinguish flames on his body using whatever means they could.
“I did anything to just put him out,” Chacon said.
The victim, a 36-year-old man, was suffering from severe burns when Miami Fire Rescue crews arrived seconds later. Firefighters transported him to Jackson Memorial’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he later died from his injuries days after the rescue attempt.
Investigators said the fire sparked after a gas can inside the apartment exploded when the man lit a cigarette. Other residents in the building, including the victim’s roommate, escaped without injury.
Newly released body-worn camera video captures Miami police officers Michael Chacon and Brandon Rodriguez rushing into a smoke-filled apartment moments after an explosion, entering without firefighting equipment in a desperate attempt to rescue a trapped man. (CNN Newsource){ }
Neighbors described hearing a loud explosion followed by screaming.
“I heard a boom,” one resident said. “I heard the scream. I’ll never forget.”
Both officers said this was the first time they had ever entered a burning structure while on duty. Rodriguez said he hoped the man would survive.
“I was just hoping that he would be able to survive,” he said.
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Miami Police Chief Manuel Morales praised the officers’ actions, saying their response gave the victim a chance.
“It didn’t end the way we would all hope for, but that doesn’t even make their actions less heroic,” Morales said. “They were going to put their lives in danger to save a member of our community.”
The damaged apartment has since been boarded up, and body camera footage documents the entire rescue from the initial call to the arrival of fire crews.
Several residents impacted by the fire received assistance from the American Red Cross, officials said.