A Miami police officer is facing legal troubles after a heated argument with her boyfriend spiralled into gunfire. The incident, which began over text messages that were found inside his phone, led to her arrest and dismissal from the force.
Authorities say 27-year-old Sthephany Canizares was taken into custody on Friday after she fired her gun outside a home she shared with her partner. The weapon was discharged during a confrontation after she looked through her boyfriend’s phone.
According to the police report, the couple had been experiencing “relationship issues” for several days before the incident. On Friday, when her boyfriend arrived at the residence, he found Canizares waiting outside with her service weapon in hand. He reportedly urged her to go back inside, but she refused. Moments later, she discharged a round outdoors. While no one was struck by the bullet, the shot sent the situation into panic.
The boyfriend fled inside with his young daughter and secured himself in a bedroom, armed with his own firearm. Hours passed before Canizares eventually called authorities herself, surrendering to police and handing over her gun. Officers confirmed the weapon contained a spent casing, supporting the account that she had fired a live round.
During questioning, Canizares admitted that the fight stemmed from her discovery of messages on her partner’s phone that she considered inappropriate. She was subsequently charged with aggravated assault with a firearm and discharging a firearm outdoors in a residential area.
On Sunday, she was transported to the hospital due to what officers described as “abnormal behaviour”. She was later booked into jail but was released on bond on Monday.
According to the Miami Police Department, an investigation has been launched into the incident. Also, Canizares was subsequently relieved of her duties with pay.