MIAMI (WSVN) - A South Florida boy is home from the hospital and on the road to recovery, nearly two weeks after he and two of his cousins were robbed and shot near Miami’s Midtown neighborhood.
His chest in bandages, 12-year-old Delbar Camilo Diaz is finally able to smile. He spoke with 7News on Wednesday, as he sat in a sofa at his home in Miami. “I’m grateful, very grateful,” he said as Miami Police Cmdr. Albert Guerra, who sat next to him, translated.
The law enforcer pointed at the spot where the bullet entered the boy’s torso. “It entered here, and it came around, came out the back side there,” said Guerra. “I believe he broke two ribs as a result.”
Police said Diaz, who had just moved to Miami, was walking near Robert Clemente Park, off Northwest 34th Street and First Avenue, with two of his cousins, Oct. 22, when they were targeted.
“They were walking from the park, and they were approached by a vehicle,” Miami Police Officer Yelitza Cedano told reporters at the time of the robbery. “A lady jumps out of the car, approaches them and intends to rob them of their property.”
Chilling surveillance video captured the woman opening fire on the family after robbing them. “He’s extremely lucky with the injury he sustained,” said Guerra. “It’s a miracle he’s with us today.”
When asked if he has a message to the woman who shot him, Diaz replied, “Not so much anything to her, but just mainly to the Miami Police Department, that they apprehend this individual.”
Detectives believe the woman is working with an accomplice and may be responsible for a string of robberies and shootings in Miami that have left several people injured.
On Wednesday, police tried to lift the 12-year-old’s spirits. Guerra and other members of the police department arrived at the boy’s home and gave him a very special basketball.
“This is a Miami Heat basketball signed by the 2013 team, which makes it even more valuable,” said Guerra as he handed Diaz the ball.
“This is the rewarding part of our job,” said Guerra. “This is what it’s all about. This is why we do what we do, and it’s something that I wish we could do more of. This is a blessing for us us as well as for Delber.”
Police said they have recovered the suspects’ silver Chrysler sedan spotted at the scene of the shooting. The duo, however, remain at large.
If you have any information on the suspects’ whereabouts, 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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