MIAMI (WSVN) - A South Florida man who said he was ambushed and shot while walking home is sharing his story, as police continue searching for the man and woman wanted in connection with this incident and at least three other robberies in Brickell.
According to Miami Police, Rogelio Punay was shot three times in the back while the subjects robbed him and two other people at gunpoint, near the Metromover Brickell Station, in the area of Southwest 12th Street and First Avenue, Oct. 12.
Speaking through a translator, Punay said the male robber appeared to come out of nowhere. “The man came out, and we saw that he took out the gun and told me to get him everything I have: money, phone everything,” he said.
The victim said the gunman then discharged his firearm. “He shot one bullet. That’s when we got scared, and we ran,” he said.
Investigators said the robber grabbed whatever valuables he could and fled westbound on Southwest 12th Street, into an awaiting silver Chrysler sedan.
This incident occurred one week after a similar robbery at the same location. Detectives said the female subject snatched the victim’s bag away from him before she and her male accomplice fled from the scene and jumped into the silver Chrysler.
Metromover commuters said they are now keeping an eye out after the string of robberies. “I don’t think that the area is very secure,” said one woman.
“If someone decides that they want to hurt someone with a gun, there’s nothing you can do about it,” said another man.
Surveillance video from a gas station on Southwest Eighth Street in Miami captured a man wearing a red baseball cap who, detectives believe, is the male subject. He is seen walking away from a car that appears to be a light-colored Chrysler.
Police also believe the female subject is the same woman captured on surveillance video opening fire on a 12-year-old boy and his two cousins in the area of Northwest 34th Street and First Avenue, near Roberto Clemente Park, Saturday night. Police said the woman shot the victims even though they complied with her demands to give up their belongings.
Police have raised the reward for information leading to the duo’s arrest to $21,000.
If you have any information about any of these robberies, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for the reward.
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