MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - The suspected gunman wanted for the killing of a Chili’s employee in Miami Gardens has surrendered to authorities.
According to Miami Gardens Police, 31-year-old Arturo Exum turned himself into police, Tuesday morning, just after 10 a.m.
Police said Exum, who was on probation for a violent crime, shot and killed 36-year-old Lester Reid inside the Chili’s location, at 19801 N.W. 2 Ave., Monday, at around 2:30 p.m.
Police said Reid had gotten into an argument with a female employee. They said the other employee reportedly called Exum, her boyfriend, who came into the restaurant and opened fire, striking Reid multiple times.
“Shot him twice and left,” said witness Alex Escalda. “She left out the front door, got into a green Mustang and took off … I saw a green Mustang take off.”
“It’s terrifying man, it’s terrifying,” said a male witness. “I work a couple doors down. I heard everything, not really saw much, because we’re a couple doors down, but it was intense.”
Fire rescue crews responded to the restaurant shortly after. “I saw him being put in the ambulance behind [the restaurant], and he was covered in blood,” said the male witness.
Paramedics transported Reid to Aventura Hospital, where he later died.
Co-workers said Reid was a cook at the restaurant.
The Chili’s remained closed on Tuesday. A sign on the door read, “We are closed today in an effort to take care of and support our team members.”
Team members stopped by the restaurant throughout the day. “He’s a good guy,” said William Webb, who worked with Reid in the kitchen.
“He was an excellent worker on the line,” Webb added. “Sorry for the incident and condolences to family and friends.”
The restaurant chain released a statement that read in part, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic situation and the loss of one of our team members … We are doing everything we can to fully cooperate with the police and fire rescue teams who were so quick to respond.”
Exum turned himself in less than 24 hours after the shooting. Police have charged him with first-degree murder.
Co-workers said Reid was the father of eight children.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.