Authorities in Miami-Dade County, Florida, have arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with the killing and kidnapping of a 22-year-old man who was abducted by suspects pretending to be police officers from an apartment complex in North Miami. The body was discovered in the Redland area of southwest Miami-Dade County.
According to the latest police reports from the Miami Herald, the victim’s name is Malik Bani, and he was abducted during a shooting-related incident from his apartment located at 14040 Biscayne Boulevard. This happened at around 1 a.m. on October 4, 2026.
According to the agency report, the incident happened after midnight, and several men had arrived at the apartment complex in what was reportedly a Toyota Camry with flashing blue lights resembling those used by law enforcement agencies. The two suspects were marked with the word “POLICE,” and they approached the victim after he exited the building.
They caught hold of the victim’s cellphone and threw it across the parking lot before forcing him into the vehicle and taking him away. Several suspects also entered the apartment using his keys, where they encountered another man who was armed with an AK-47-style weapon.
A severe gunfight erupted during the confrontation, and a 21-year-old suspect identified as Carl Johnson was struck multiple times in his hands, shoulders, and legs. Two other men jumped from a third-floor bedroom window and fled the scene. Videos recorded by residents captured the men jumping from the building and other individuals struggling with and dragging a man into the vehicle.
Approximately eight hours after the abduction, the victim’s body was found with gunshot wounds near the Redland area, around 40 miles from the North Miami apartment complex.
During the course of the investigation, a vehicle was discovered that had been set on fire and matched the description of the car associated with the suspects. Further investigation led to the arrest of Johnson, age 21, who is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping with a firearm, attempted murder, and falsely impersonating a police officer.
As of the latest report on October 15, authorities have announced one arrest while the investigation into the remaining suspects continues. Investigators have not publicly established the complete motive for the killing, and the charges against Johnson remain allegations that will be addressed during the judicial process.
This case has raised serious concerns about criminals using police-style clothing and emergency-style lighting to deceive victims and carry out violent crimes. Authorities are examining witness accounts, surveillance footage, videos, and other evidence to reconstruct the events that began in North Miami and ended in Redland.