Episode 119: Ed Mireles – Fatal FBI Miami Shootout (Part 2)

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In this episode, retired agent Edmundo Mireles, Jr. reviews the April 11, 1986, fatal FBI Miami shootout where, during the pursuit of two extremely dangerous criminals, two special agents were killed, and several others, including Ed Mireles, were wounded.

Although severely injured, Ed Mireles fired his shotgun one-handed to prevent the suspects from escaping, then charged the suspects, fatally wounding both. His heroic actions prevented further injury to his fellow agents and innocent citizens.

He has received many awards and commendations honoring him for his heroism that day, including the FBI’s highest award for bravery, the Medal of Valor.

He is the author of FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes that Changed the Bureau his story of survival and the fight to save the lives of his brother agents on that fateful day. The true crime book is available exclusively on his website, EdMireles.com.

Special Agent (Retired)

Edmundo Mireles, Jr.

9/1979 – 3/2004

Ed Mireles served in the FBI for 25 years. During his career, he worked as a street agent, supervisor and manager in a wide range of investigative and administrative areas, as well as an undercover agent in hundreds of high level, high-risk narcotics, criminal and national security investigations.

In October 1986, the International Association of Chiefs of Police awarded Mr. Mireles its National Police Officer of the Year Award for the Year 1986. It cited him for outstanding bravery, diligence, and dedicated community service in the finest tradition of American Law Enforcement.

On December 4, 1987, the US Department of Justice recognized Mr. Mireles as the Federal Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and awarded him the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Heroism.

On April 10, 1989, the FBI awarded him the first FBI Medal of Valor. The citation reads:

In deep appreciation for his uncommon valor and heroism rendered on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the American people in Miami, Florida on April 11, 1986. During the pursuit of two extremely dangerous criminals, two special agents were killed, and several others were wounded. Although severely injured, Mr. Mireles fired his shotgun one handed to prevent the suspects from escaping and then he charged the suspects and fatally wounded both. His heroic actions prevented further injury to his fellow agents and innocent citizens. The Outstanding Services and Exceptional Personal Bravery demonstrated by Mr. Mireles were in the highest traditions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and are truly worthy of this special acknowledgement.

On November 10, 1994, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice honored Mr. Mireles by dedicating the Edmundo Mireles Criminal Justice Training Academy in his name. The academy is in Beeville, Texas.

Mr. Mireles retired in March 2004. As a defense contractor, he spent four years working in Iraq as a Law Enforcement Professional and advisor to the Iraqi Police. He worked with the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) in Fallujah, Iraq, and the 10th Mountain Division in Baghdad and Basrah. Mr. Mireles also worked with the U.S. Department of State in Baghdad in an advisory position with the Iraqi Police. Mr. Mireles later worked for a year with the State Department helping train police in Mexico and a year helping to train police in Belize, Central America.

Listen to the first half of this two-part case review, Episode 118: Ed Mireles – Fatal FBI Miami Shootout (Part 1)

The following links are to FBI website stories about the tragic and fatal April 11, 1986 FBI Miami Shootout, one of the deadliest and most violent fire fights in FBI history:

A Byte Out of History – Fatal Firefight in Miami

The Vault Documents from FBI Files – Miami Shooting 4-11-86

Hall of Honor – FBI Agents Killed as the Direct Result of an Adversarial Action

Hall of Honor – Jerry Dove

Hall of Honor – Benjamin Grogan