A man opened fire at a busy shopping plaza in southwest Miami-Dade, nearly hitting people before taking off and leading officers on a pursuit Thursday morning.
Miami-Dade Police Department Det. Angel Rodriguez said the man drove to a shopping plaza on Hammocks Boulevard and 104th Street, shot into Miwi Cafe, then got back into his car and fled. He didn't make contact with anyone inside the restaurant and luckily no one was injured.
A witness followed the car and called police, who took him into custody at SW 157th Avenue and 136th Street at around 9:30 a.m.
"The bullethole to the right, I was literally a couple of inches to the left of that," said JD Betancourt, who witnessed the shooting. "I didn't catch anything until I heard the gunshot -- and in that second turning around -- that second one came in and I saw the guy, and my instinct just kicked in and I just ran."
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Police have not released the subject's name and are investigating a motive. Employees say he was a beloved customer.
“We’ve had these employees for many, many years, so they’re like family," said Kenneth, the owner of Miwi Cafe. "So they were well trained in what to do. They ran out the back and no amount of money or anything is worth the life of a human being.”
Officers closed Southwest 120th Avenue southward to Southwest 136th Street as their investigation continued.
