MIAMI (WSVN) - One person was rushed to the hospital after, officials said, he and his friends were ambushed in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, early Thursday morning.
According to officials, they responded to a call of a shooting at around 1 a.m., along Northwest 26th Street, near Second Avenue.
7News cameras captured friends and Miami Police officers comforting the male victim as he lay on the pavement. “God is good. He’s always good,” said one of the victim’s friends as held the victim’s hand.
Paramedics and police worked quickly as they tended to the victim on the ground.
The shooting victim’s friend told 7News that he, the victim and a third friend had just parked their car and were walking to a party, then doubled back after realizing they’d forgotten something in the car. That’s when, he said, they got robbed.
“Three males walked up to us. All three of them had weapons,” said the witness, who did not wish to be identified. “One, you know, told us to get on the ground. I ran off, two shots rang off, my boy got hit. That’s it. That’s all I know.”
Police confirmed the incident started off as an armed robbery. “They were approached by three offenders, all wearing black hoodies,” said Miami Police Officer Christopher Bess. “Two of the offenders produced two firearms and demanded items from the victims.
It was at that point that things took a violent turn. “In fear for his life, the victim tried to run and was subsequently shot in the back by one of the offenders,” said Miami Police Officer Christopher Bess.
Investigators said an officer on duty in the area heard the gunshots and called for backup.
Paramedics transported the victim to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition.
7News caught up with the victim’s grandfather outside of the hospital. He said his grandson was alert and talking, and he is expected to be OK.
The shooting took place about one block away from popular nightlife spots. “You don’t go out to have this madness,” said onlooker Chris Allen. “You don’t go out, like, ‘I’m about to jump somebody. I’m gonna kill somebody. I’m going to get in trouble.’ No. You’ve got to have a good time.”
“Our number one priority would be the safety of our residents, so we’re looking into this,” said Bess. “We have detectives working around the clock to solve this.”
Police have not identified the victim. His age is unknown.
The gunmen remain at large.
If you have any information on this shooting, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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