NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A devastated church community is mourning the loss of their longtime pastor after, they said, he was fatally gunned near a flea market in Northwest Miami-Dade.
7News cameras captured family members and friends as they held hands and prayed together outside of Ryder Trauma Center, Thursday night.
Church members said 54-year-old Gregory Boyd, their pastor of 20 years, was shot when he went to the flea market, located in the area of Northwest 27th Avenue and 79th Street, to get something to eat.
Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the shooting just after 6 p.m.
Another terrible tragedy as a result of gun violence. Our Homicide Bureau is on the case but we need our community to once again step forward with tips! Call @CrimeStopper305 at 305-471-TIPS with any information. pic.twitter.com/972CcC6bzM
— Alfredo "Freddy" Ramirez III (@AFreddyRamirez) September 11, 2020
Investigators said it all began as some sort of argument in the parking lot in front of Shoe Time, a few doors down from the indoor flea market. Detectives said the altercation escalated when someone pulled out a gun and fired dozens of shots.
Police said Boyd, an innocent bystander, was shot in the chest and leg.
Paramedics transported him in critical condition to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
7News captured cellphone video of first responders at the chaotic scene.
Boyd was the longtime pastor at New Birth Harvest Outreach Church, also in Northwest Miami-Dade.
7News cameras captured at least two cars with shattered windows back at the scene.
7News spoke with the owner of a third car that was in the parking lot at the time that had a bullet hole in one of its windows.
“I was working and I just heard gunshots, and that’s it,” the driver said.
One business, SGS Family Jewelry, had its front window shattered in the shooting.
The owner, Joon Seuh, was standing at the register when a bullet flew through his store window and pierced his counter and computer equipment.
The bullet, fortunately, missed him by only inches.
“Through this and through here,” he said.
Seuh said he ran as quickly as he could and is grateful he didn’t become a victim.
“I’m just lucky, because we’re standing here and [it missed by] only this much,” he said.
As Seuh ran for cover, Boyd lay on the ground outside waiting for help.
Cellphone video showed police officers pushing back the crowd.
Detectives spent hours collecting clues and interviewing witnesses. They also blocked off a large part of the parking lot, as well as part of Northwest 27th Avenue.
Police said the gunman was wearing a face mask but have not provided further details, as they continue their investigation.
If you have any information on this shooting or the gunman’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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