NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - An overnight car burglary led to a stabbing at a Northwest Miami home that sent two men to the hospital, police said.
According to police, the victims were stabbed by a man who attempted to break into one of their cars, in the area of Northwest 25th Avenue and Fourth Street, early Monday morning.
Friends identified one of the victims as Oscar Rodriguez. The other victim, they said, was one of his roommates.
Surveillance video captured the suspected burglar attempting to break into several cars across the street moments before the stabbing. He is seen opening the door of one of the vehicles, but he did not seem to find any valuables inside.
He is then seen walking onto the property where the crime occurred, right before the victims pulled into the driveway.
According to investigators, Rodriguez and his roommate arrived to find the subject standing in the driveway, apparently armed with a knife.
Moments later, the subject is seen running away before police and first responders arrived.
“There is blood everywhere,” said Rafael Portillo, a friend of Rodriguez, in Spanish as he pointed at the scene of the stabbing, Monday afternoon.
Speaking through a translator, Oscar Ala, the victims’ third roommate, said they caught the burglar in the act. He goes on to explain that it was good that his roommates tried to stop the criminal, but it’s a shame they were hurt.
Rodriguez was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. His roommate is recovering at home.
A neighbor who wished to remain anonymous said the victims are kind, hardworking men, and he cannot believe they were targeted. “It kind of scares me, because I just pulled up and saw that,” he said. “I was coming from work, and I just came into that situation. It bothers me and it scares me because my family is here. Anything could happen.”
The assailant remains at large.
If you have any information on his 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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