Hero-Ed Mireles

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The Miami Shootout of April 11, 1986 had a far-reaching impact on law enforcement.  I’m not going to describe the event in blow-by-blow, dramatic prose.  I’m not even going to talk about revolvers, or 9mm ammo (or 10mm  ammo), or inter-agency coordination.  If you want to dig in to the story of the Miami Shootout, you can download the FBI report here – Miami Shootout (460).  There are other excellent resources (and some that are not-so-excellent).  But if you want to take a serious look, start with the FBI’s report.

I only want to talk about one man from a group of incredibly brave men.  His name is Edmundo Mireles Jr. and his heroic actions during the ferocious firefight undoubtedly saved lives.

The summary of the situation is that six FBI Special Agents were attempting to affect the arrest of two suspected bank robbers.  The Special Agents (SAs) traveled in several vehicles while both suspects traveled in the same vehicle.  In the opening seconds of the ensuing car crash and gunfight, numerous rounds were fired from both sides with at least one SA wounded.  SA Mireles and his partner SA Hanlon moved from their vehicle across the street in order to assist.  SA Mireles was immediately shot in the left forearm by one the suspects.  SA Mireles was dazed and/or unconscious for the next several moments.  In redneck-speak, “he got his chickens scattered.”

When he regained his faculties, he realized that three of his fellow SAs were down  and the suspects were attempting to steal an FBI sedan and run over SA Hanlon who was lying grievously wounded behind the rear tire.  With his ruined left arm hanging at his side, SA Mireles forced himself to a sitting position and balanced his shotgun on the rear bumper of the car he was using for cover and engaged the suspects.  After each shot, SA Mireles would carefully lower the shotgun between his legs and work the action with his one good arm.  He fired until the shotgun was empty.

SA Mireles was determined to end the violent battle.  He staggered to his feet and advanced toward the suspects.  He drew his service revolver from his belt as one of the suspects engaged him with pistol fire.  He fired all six of his rounds, scoring five hits.  Both suspects were killed at the scene.

On an otherwise routine day conducting routine law enforcement work, these men from the FBI fought for their lives against determined attackers.  In broad daylight in a neighborhood in South Florida, SA Mireles faced the Beast.

Ed Mireles is a Hero, Stud, Gunfighter, and a Champion.  May we all acquit ourselves so well.