Hollywood police officer fatally shot during altercation with suspect – WPLG Local 10

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A 28-year-old police officer has died after being shot by a suspect in Hollywood, Hollywood Police Chief Chris O’Brien confirmed Monday morning at a news conference.

According to the police chief, officers responded to the 4000th block of North Hills Drive around 10:30 p.m. Sunday after receiving reports about a suspicious person in the area.

He said officers made contact with the suspect, and Officer Yandy Chirino was shot during the altercation.

A Local 10 News crew was at the scene near the Emerald Hills Country Club Monday morning as about every law enforcement agency in Broward County was in the area.

Police were seen going door-to-door, and armed officers and K-9s were walking around the upscale neighborhood, which is made up of mostly Orthodox residences.

A Broward Sheriff’s Office helicopter was also flying above.

O’Brien confirmed that other officers at the scene detained the suspect, identified as Jason Vanegas, 18, as other officers rendered aid to Chirino.

WATCH: Hollywood police chief speaks about shooting that left 1 officer dead:

O’Brien said officers drove Chirino to Memorial Regional Hospital, where the officer later died.

“He was a great officer and will have a lasting impact on our community,” the police chief said, adding that Chirino “gave his life honorably and without hesitation.”

O’Brien said Chirino will be remembered for his selfless acts while working for the police department and for making the ultimate sacrifice for his community.

According to the police chief, Chirino has worked for the Hollywood Police Department since 2017 and has been recognized multiple times for his outstanding work ethic. He was also recognized as Officer of the Month in June 2020.

The American flag outside the Hollywood Police Department has since been lowered to half-staff.

Vanegas is facing multiple charges, including armed burglary, battery on an officer, carrying a concealed firearm, grand theft of a firearm, resisting with violence and first-degree murder.

Despite his young age, O’Brien said the suspect has a lengthy arrest history.

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