Police Officer Victor Estefan

Police Officer Victor Estefan

Miami Police Department, Florida

End of Watch Thursday, March 31, 1988

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Victor Estefan

Police Officer Victor Estefan was shot and killed while making a traffic stop of a car that was driving with no headlights in front of 3315 SW 9th Terrace.

As he approached the vehicle to get the driver's information he was shot and killed.

The suspects, who were brothers, were arrested in southern California after a shootout with the California Highway Patrol during a nationwide manhunt.

Both suspects were convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death. In 1997 the Florida Supreme Court overturned their convictions stating they had not received a fair trial. In March 2013 a jury declared a mistrial for the alleged gunman. The two brothers were sentenced to life in prison for the attempted murder of the California Highway Patrol officers.

Officer Estefan had served with the Miami Police Department for 21 years. He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and grandson.

Bio

  • Age 49
  • Tour 21 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Incident Date Wednesday, March 30, 1988
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

traffic stop

Most Recent Reflection

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Wednesday, March 30th, 1988
This is something that will never fade in my memory. I was actually coming home from an event by the The Official Coconut Grove Jaycee Alumni It was Business After Hours, at Monty's in the Grove. The fifth Wednesday of the month. As I turned right on the corner I noticed a police car east and next to my house. I would normally drive past my house, do a U-turn and park with traffic. As I was coming up to the police car. I saw a police officer lying next to a car in the driveway. I swear I thought he was looking for something under the car. He had a black device in his hand. Miami Police Department had nickel plated revolvers and started switching to Glocks. I didn't realize the situation right away. So I yelled out, are you ok? He replied "I've been shot!" I actually went into my training mode, as an Eagle scout. I flew out of my car and ran to him. He didn't have a lot of visible bleeding, so because I was alone, I had to call for help. I didn't want to run inside to call, so I went to his open police car, and said officer down three times. Has I said it, a motorcycle police officer was driving towards me. I saw him through the back window of the unit. I dropped the Mike and ran next to the telephone poll. He stopped, I said officer down, he's been shot, he is bleeding, call for help now. I pointed at Victor. He quickly grabbed his Mike and transmitted in a split of a second. I ran to help the officer. When I went to check his wounds, many officers and rescue came with kits, and aid. I was trained when this happens, take a step back but stay and be ready to assist. I did. I was asked to move my car. When I looked down the street, I saw every nearby police agency at the seen. Miami-Dade Police Department, Coral Gables Police, Florida Highway, West Miami Police Dept. , and many more. So many undercover officers as well. It was bumper to bumper units. We had to make room for fire rescue. Later I found out that JL. Plummer was there. I knew him and he knew me, yet I didn't see him, due to tunnel vision at times like this. The police asked me not to talk to the media please. Because it could affect the investigation. I of course respected and agreed. I volunteered my finger prints for elimination because I did touch his microphone. I heard that he passed away the next day in surgery. The chief of police wanted to honor me, for what I did. I said, No! He passed away, no honor in that. Later I learned who the officer was. I knew him. I went to Champagnat Catholic School his son Angel Estefan was a student at the same school. Just a year younger than me. I went to Angel's home. Just a few blocks away near Auburndale Elementary. I went and spoke to his mom. I told her what I knew. She asked me what did he say? I didn't Sugar coat it. He cursed like a sailor. He was pissed they got him by surprise. She hugged me and said "That's my Victor!"
When I was a student at Champagnat (NW), I drove a Volkswagen Bug. My fellow classmates would pickup up my car and put it in the middle of the street, before this happened. Officer Victor Estefan came to me and said you can't leave your car in the middle of the street! I said I didn't, they are moving my car. After that, I would chain my car to the telephone pole infront of the school. I would never imagine that the universe took these turns. Angel and his Mom was thankful that God put me there at that moment. A US Marshall that was transporting, the Escobar brothers from California to Miami, Florida, told me. "Tony, I have never seen such cold blooded people, this evil in all my life. They don't care about anyone or anything." This was during the days I went to court to testify. The reason I post this, is for one reason! Understand that we all need to step up, or step down when needed. I only did, what any person should do. Far from being a hero. My life was not engaged. I just tried to give aid, to a fellow human. I wish the walk away is that you help someone else every time you get a chance. Peace to all of you, and yours! Tony

Good Samarita, Tony M. Miyar

May 14, 2022

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