Miami-Dade police release bodycam footage of standoff with ex-LT

In October of last year, former Miami-Dade lieutenant Evelyn Fernandez was involved in a standoff with police that lasted over 12 hours. The incident began after she allegedly shot at her ex-boyfriend, retired Miami Police Major David Sanchez, prompting her to barricade herself in a home in Southwest Miami-Dade. During the standoff, police utilized tear gas to extract her from the attic, where she was heard on bodycam footage expressing distress and pain. The neighborhood was significantly disrupted, with residents waiting for hours to return to their homes. Fernandez's behavior had reportedly become erratic following the end of her relationship with Sanchez, raising concerns about her mental state. This incident was not her first encounter with law enforcement; she had a history of domestic violence allegations, including incidents involving former Miami-Dade Mayor and Police Director Carlos Alvarez. Her past led to her termination from the police force approximately eight years ago. Following the standoff, Fernandez faced multiple charges, including attempted first-degree murder, discharging a firearm, and resisting officers with violence. The judge denied her bond, citing the evidence against her as a significant factor in the decision. The case has drawn attention due to her previous position in law enforcement and the serious nature of the allegations. Fernandez is scheduled to return to court in October, where the legal proceedings will continue. The incident has raised questions about the impact of personal relationships on professional conduct, especially in law enforcement, and the need for mental health support for individuals in high-stress positions.