Corrections officer among 3 killed in shooting in Miami-Dade

June 6 (UPI) -- Three people died, including a female corrections office, and nine others were injured in a shooting police described as "targeted" in southwest Miami early Sunday.

Around 6 a.m., Miami-Dade police posted on a Twitter that a shooting occurred and to please avoid the area due to increase of police presence.

The shooting occurred inside a strip mall parking lot near Miami Dade College's Kendall campus, WTVJ-TV reported. It contains two businesses, a hookah lounge and a restaurant.

Miami-Dade Police Director Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III told WSVN-TV a graduation party was coming to an end at around 2 a.m. People were standing in the parking lot when a car pulled up and began to open fire onto the crowd.

A corrections officer with the state of Florida died at a nearby hospital.

Later Sunday, the Florida Department of Corrections identified the slain officer to WPLG Miami in a statement as Tyleisha Taylor, who began her career in January of last year.

"We are devastated to learn a member of our FDC family, officer Taylor, was killed in a fatal shooting," Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Mark Inch said. "Our prayers are with her family as they navigate this unimaginable loss."

Two people died after crashing into a wall at Miami-Dade College. A gun was found in the back of their car. Ramirez said it was unknown if they died after getting shot or crashing into the wall. The injured self-transported to hospitals.

Police are looking for two cars believed to be linked to the scene of the shooting.

"It just goes to show you the magnitude of this gun violence issue," Ramirez said. "It doesn't just affect the community, it affects the law enforcement community as well."

One week ago, a shooting in northwest Miami-Dade killed three people and injured 20 others. Authorities are still searching for the suspects. One victim, a woman, died Thursday.

"I'm horrified by this tragedy & heartbroken for the loved ones of those we lost," Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava posted on Twitter. "We will not allow a small group of violent actors to terrorize our community. We must protect the safety and wellbeing of all Miami-Dade families and swiftly bring all those responsible to justice."