MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A man has been rushed to the hospital in critical condition after being stabbed at a 24-hour gym in Miami Gardens.
Miami Gardens Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue responded to the 24 Hour Fitness, located at 19371 NW 27th Ave., around 6 p.m. on Thursday.
According to Miami Gardens Police, a man was stabbed by another man after a fight spiraled near the basketball court inside the gym. Off-duty police officers and witnesses helped the victim before he was airlifted to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital. The wounded man was helped by off-duty police officers.
“There is an BSO officer, off-duty on scene that’s not involved,” said a dispatcher.
Cellphone video shared with 7News shows members leaving the fitness establishment, as well as bloody rags near the front entrance and blood stains on the gym floor. Radio recording, which is not yet confirmed by police, gave a brief description of what the person they are looking for may look like and what they are wearing.
“Possibly a white male, still inside. White tank, black shorts,” said a dispatcher. “Possibly exited from the rear end of the building covered in blood.”
Police said the subject ran to a neighboring apartment complex, The Pomelo, and has not been found. The apartment complex briefly locked down, along with the gym’s parking lot, as they tried to look for the subject.
Residents of the apartment complex said the stabbing happened inside the gym, near the basketball court. The person who stabbed the man jumped over the fence from the gym into the property of the apartment complex.
“Police were inside the complex. They surrounded the whole thing. There was like a big line of cars. No one could get in or out,” said Luis Portalatin, who lives in the apartment complex. “My wife is here and son is also here. They walk in this complex. We still don’t know the intentions of why he did that. Even if that person lives here, it’s very uncomfortable.”
Tyreek Davis, who has been a member at the gym for a few months, was shocked when he heard the news of the stabbing.
“This place is usually cool. A good group of people,” he said. “It kind of puts a damped on my workout, but hopefully that [injured] man is safe and they’re taking good care of him.”
It is unclear what led to the stabbing. Meanwhile, the gym reopened on Friday morning after being closed while police continued their investigation.
Authorities are continuing their search for the assailant. Miami Gardens Police has been contacted for more details regarding this incident.
If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.
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