NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for a man who entered a restaurant in Northwest Miami-Dade and opened fire, prompting the owner to confront him and leaving two innocent bystanders injured, officials said.
Miami-Dade Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the shooting at La Gran Parada Restaurant in the area of Northwest 10th Avenue and 119th Street, just after 2:15 p.m., Sunday.
Newly released surveillance footage showed the subject entering the business and standing in the doorway for nearly two minutes before he took out a firearm, waved it around and fired a round.
The restaurant owner could then be seen leaping toward the gunman and tackling him while patrons ran for cover.
The owner’s wife, Massiel de Jesus, said they’ve never experienced anything like this in the nearly 30 years they’ve owned the restaurant.
“A person tried to go inside the restaurant with a gun, and he fired a shot up in the air,” said de Jesus through a translator.
De Jesus said her husband’s actions saved those inside.
“Yeah, thank God he was here,” de Jesus said. “He immediately proceeded to take out the person. He took him out and took his weapon.”
During the altercation, police said, the firearm was discharged, striking a customer in the ankle and grazing another.
The owners said they are thankful no one else was seriously hurt.
“He thought immediately to save everyone, and he immediately reacted by taking the person from the place so everyone could be OK,” de Jesus said.
Police said the subject fled in an unknown direction.
The victims were transported to an area hospital in stable condition. They are expected to be OK.
The owner suffered injuries that are not life-threatening during the confrontation.
If you have any information on this shooting, 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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