Authorities said a Miami Police officer fired at a machete-wielding man by a park Tuesday afternoon.
The officer was responding to a violent fight between two men at Juan Pablo Duarte Park at Northwest 19th Avenue and 27th Street, police said.
When the officer arrived at the park, he found one of the men carrying a machete, according to police. A confrontation ensued, in which the man refused to drop the weapon, so the officer opened fire.
The man was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he was undergoing surgery for his injuries.
The man's father, Andres Escano, identified him as Jobercio Escano, saying he has a history of mental health problems.
Witnesses said they heard the shots fired by police after the confrontation.
"Two quick shots, back to back, and then, next thing you know, you heard the police coming down 29th Street," said witness William Carter.
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Other neighbors said Escano was shot three times.
Police explained at the scene that when an officer's life is threatened they act to save themselves and others.
"There's no shoot to wound," said Miami Police spokeswoman Frederica Burden. "We're trained to shoot and kill."
Yet, police siad the shots were fired in a park while children and adults stood by, and that they don't believe anyone was ever in danger.
Stay with NBC6.com for updates on this developing story.
