According to investigators, the incident began when information, received via third party, indicated that the family was being held hostage by the armed subject.  Officers immediately responded to the residence and attempted to make contact, but were unsuccessful.  Hostage Negotiators and the SRT were summoned to respond. They were able to establish a line of communication with the subject in attempts to convince him to surrender.  The communication efforts continued throughout the night.  However, during the early morning hours, the subject ceased communicating with negotiators.  SRT operators then heard what appeared to be a gunshot within the residence.  They immediately approached and observed three hostages, the homeowner, his spouse, and their 13 year-old daughter, running out of the residence.  Once inside the residence, SRT members discovered a male suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the scene and determined the subject deceased.  The victims were not harmed during the incident.

UPDATE #1:  Miami-Dade Police Department homicide detectives have identified the deceased as Timothy Maher.  The family, who was held hostage, has been identified as Jose Rodriguez, Ana Rodriguez and their 13 year-old daughter.

The investigation continues.