WEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have arrested a gunman accused of shooting a 68-year-old man outside of a Northeast Miami-Dade synagogue.
Carlints St. Louis, the accused gunman, was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, Tuesday.
He faces several charges that include felony attempted murder, firing a gun from a car and aggravated battery on someone over 65.
Bullets went flying in front of the Young Israel of Greater Miami Temple, on the corner of Northeast 10th Avenue and 171st Street, on July 28.
Investigators said the victim, Warren Lipschutz, was approaching the doors of the synagogue when a black Chevy Impala pulled up, a man got out and opened fire.
“It’s been very, very apprehensive,” said Rabbi David Lehrfields. “Every day we come to the synagogue thinking to ourselves, ‘Will it happen again?'”
The alleged 30-year-old shooter unloaded around eight rounds before taking off, investigators said.
The bullets hit the 68-year-old in the leg.
“He is here waiting for me outside every day to help me with my walker. I just had hip surgery,” Lehrfields said.
He was rushed to Aventura Hospital where he underwent several hours of surgeries. Lipschutz survived the shooting, and Lehrfields said he underwent a total of five surgeries.
“He’s doing well. He’s at Hampton Court. He is already walking,” said Lehrfields. “He is rehabilitating, and he’s doing, thank God, very well. His attitude is wonderful.”
According to the arrest report, detectives tracked St. Louis down in part because of distinctive features on his car, cellphone records and the type of weapon used.
“As long as he was on the streets, who knows what and when and if he would do this again?” said Lehrfields. “This man, who was deranged, has been caught. This killer — and I call him a killer because he wanted to kill this man. ”
However, a possible motive remains unclear.
Lehrfields said his congregants continued to show up to the synagogue despite the shooting.
St. Louis appeared in court on Wednesday morning and was denied bond.
“I do think you are a danger to this community, so on count one we’re going to hold you no bond,” said Judge Renatha Francis. “Do you understand what I just said, Mr. St. Louis?”
St. Louis replied, “Basically, ma’am, I don’t even know where the incident happened.”
In court, investigators revealed St. Louis had allegedly returned to the scene of the crime multiple times after the shooting.
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle issued a statement on Tuesday:
“Acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community, particularly in sacred places of worship. My team of experienced prosecutors, including the Chief of my Hate Crimes Unit, are working together with law enforcement to properly investigate and charge this case accordingly. Our residents should not have to live in fear of violence when they are in their chosen place of worship. I am committed to filing the appropriate charges based on the evidence we uncover and to vigorously prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law. This morning, my office requested the defendant be held in custody without bond, and the Court so ordered. The Court also issued a Stay-Away Order from the victim and Young Israel of Greater Miami synagogue.”
“The mere fact he has been apprehended gives us a tremendous feeling of security,” said Lehrfields.
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