Randy Thomas Convicted of Felon in Possession of Firearm, Miami FL,…

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – A routine call to a Miami Gardens apartment complex turned into a violent ambush on January 11, 2014, when Randy Thomas, 45, opened fire on a 25-year-old Miami Gardens Police officer. After a three-day federal trial, Thomas was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, a charge that carries a significant penalty. The incident, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement, unfolded with chilling speed and brutality.

The initial 911 call reported a fight between Randy Thomas and two women. Responding officers arrived to find Thomas already distancing himself from the altercation. One officer focused on the women involved in the dispute, while the other approached Thomas. The officer testified he was completely unaware Thomas was armed, casually asking him to stop as he neared. What followed was a sudden, shocking turn: Thomas spun around, a pistol already in his hand, and immediately pointed it at the officer, who was just four feet away. Surveillance footage corroborated the officer’s account, showing Thomas’s abrupt turn and pursuit of the officer.

A bystander’s harrowing testimony painted a vivid picture of the attack. The witness described the officer visibly recoiling in shock as Randy Thomas pulled the weapon from his waistband and began chasing and firing at him. The officer, caught off guard, was forced to seek cover and return fire in an attempt to disarm Thomas. Despite the officer’s efforts, Thomas relentlessly pursued him, continuing to fire, ultimately striking the officer in the leg and causing him to collapse onto the sidewalk. A second responding officer discharged his own firearm upon witnessing the chase and shooting. A third officer arrived on scene *during* the shooting, witnessing Thomas continuing to fire upon the fallen officer.

Forensic evidence firmly linked the firearm used in the assault to Randy Thomas. The officer, suffering a bullet wound to the thigh, received immediate medical attention at Ryder Trauma Center and has since made a full recovery. The brazen attack underscores the ever-present risks faced by officers responding to even seemingly minor disturbances. The incident sent shockwaves through the Miami Gardens Police Department and the wider community.

Randy Thomas now faces a minimum of 15 years and a possible life sentence at his sentencing, scheduled for April 24, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. He is also facing separate state charges of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Stephen E. Johnson, Chief of the Miami Gardens Police Department, along with Hugo J. Barrera, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division, jointly announced the conviction.

“We commend the Miami Gardens Police Department for their diligent investigation,” stated Mr. Ferrer. He also extended thanks to the ATF for their crucial assistance. The case was successfully prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cristina Moreno and Francisco Maderal. Further information and court documents related to this case can be found at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov and http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.