SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - A man who, police said, triggered a shooting at a Dadeland Mall parking garage made an appearance in court to be formally charged.
Alex Antonio Bryant, Jr., 18, appeared in bond court Tuesday afternoon.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Bryant. You are arrested for one count of attempted second-degree murder,” said a judge.
He’s been charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Police said witnesses and video surveillance from the mall showed Bryant and two others arriving at the garage near the food court entrance in a white 4-door BMW sedan, Monday evening.
At some point, Bryant exited the vehicle and ran toward the victim and began punching and kicking him several times.
While the victim tried to escape, Bryant pointed a firearm at the victim and shot him in the left leg. He is expected to be OK.
Meanwhile, police taped off the garage near the Macy’s home store and AC Hotel as investigators combed for clues following what investigators said was a targeted shooting.
“A BOLO was issued, and officers that were in the area of 152 Street and the Turnpike observed that vehicle traveling southbound,” said detective Alvaro Zabaleta with the MDPD. “They immediately engaged, attempted to stop that vehicle, they refused to stop, and that’s when a chase ensued.”
The police pursuit came to a stop when they were able to find the vehicle after it crashed in the area of Southwest 147th Avenue and 216th Street.
Despite Bryant and two others fleeing the scene, police were able to locate Bryant several hours later and took him into custody.
Investigators are still searching for the two others that may have escaped.
Bryant is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
He was previously out on bond from a separate case.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.