Deputy fatally shoots Kristofer Laboy after traffic stop altercation
- A Miami-Dade deputy shot a young man during a traffic stop after he exited his vehicle armed.
- The deputy involved, Kelvin Cox, is now on administrative leave as the investigation unfolds.
- Laboy's family is seeking justice and disputing the account of events surrounding the shooting.
In Miami-Dade, Florida, a tragic incident occurred during a traffic stop where a young man was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy. The event unfolded around 5:15 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon when deputies attempted to stop a yellow Corvette due to illegal window tint. The vehicle fled the scene, prompting a police pursuit with the assistance of the aviation unit. Eventually, the officers tracked the vehicle to a dead-end location, where the driver, identified later as Kristofer Laboy, exited the Corvette armed. The deputy subsequently fired his weapon, resulting in Laboy's death at the scene. Emergency services declared him deceased shortly after their arrival. The police confirmed that a firearm was recovered at the scene, indicating Laboy's armed status when engaging with the deputies. In the aftermath, Deputy Kelvin Cox, a veteran with 23 years on the force, was placed on administrative leave per standard protocol while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement conducts an investigation. Family and community members expressed outrage over Laboy's death, seeking justice and demanding answers regarding the incident. They dispute the official narrative, claiming Laboy posed no threat and criticizing the deputy's actions during the confrontation. Laboy's relatives voiced their heartbreak and anger, questioning the circumstances leading to the shooting. Uncle Anthony Haygood expressed concerns about the officer's response and called for transparency by requesting access to body camera footage. They demand to understand why lethal force was used when they believe Laboy was not acting as a threat. The situation has prompted discussions about police conduct and the protocol in similar traffic stop scenarios, which emphasizes the importance of communication and de-escalation practices in law enforcement. As tensions rise in the wake of this tragic event, Laboy's family is considering legal action against the officers involved, determined to seek justice for their loved one. They continue to rally support from the community, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency from law enforcement agencies, indicating that they will not rest until they obtain clarity and justice for Kristofer Laboy.