According to investigators, officers responded to call of a theft in progress at a retail store within the mall. As the officers arrived, they identified and approached the subject just outside the store exit. The subject produced what appeared to be a firearm and an officer discharged his weapon, striking the subject in the lower extremity.  Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the subject to Jackson Memorial Hospital South in critical, but stable condition.  The officer was not injured during the incident.  It was later determined that the weapon the subject possessed was a knife disguised as a gun.

The investigation continues.