Police on Miami Beach have arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection to a shooting that happened overnight near a busy intersection. Officers say 30 shots were fired.
According to officials, no one was injured during the incident near Ocean Drive and 5th Street shortly after 12:30 a.m. According to a police report, the teen boy and two other unknown friends were seen shooting at a group of people crossing 5th Street. There was an exchange of gunfire, before the suspect and his friends ran away, police said.
The mother of the teen spoke to NBC 6's Jamie Guirola on the phone. She said she can not believe that her son could commit such a crime. "He's a good kid. My son does not come from a broken home. He comes from a well-fitted home. Why this happened, I don't know," she said.
Some of the bullets struck the Deli Cafe South Beach. Surveillance video showed the moments when the shots were fired, sending patrons in a panic. The owner of the deli, Sabah Boksoz, was shocked by the gun violence. "I've been in the store 14 years and it's the first time here something has happened," explained Boksoz.
Minutes after the shots were fired, officers spotted a suspicious car near the area. That's when a chase ensued and crossed over into the mainland into the City of Miami. According to a police report, during the pursuit, two guns were tossed out of the fleeing car. The people inside the car bailed out and officers were able to catch the 17-year-old.
The gun violence has Miami Beach officials and residents concerned about safety. "You can't have this kind of behavior anywhere," said Commissioner Ricky Arriola. "Today's shooting does not make me feel comfortable." However, Commissioner Arriola did praise Miami Beach Police for their quick response.
The teen was charged with felony attempting to shoot a deadly missle, firearm possesion by a minor and resisting an officer without violence.
The two guns tossed out of the vehicle were recovered. Police say one of them was stolen.
Two other people were questioned by police and later released. It's unclear if they were connected to the teen suspect.
