NORTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Two teens, who police believe to be linked to the shooting at the Martin Luther King Day parade in Northwest Miami-Dade, are expected to appear before a judge Wednesday.
Police took two subjects, 18-year-old Gerrell Brownlee and 17-year-old Robert Britt, into custody Tuesday morning. They are believed to be involved in the shooting that took place at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park, on Jan. 16.
Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez announced the arrests at the Board of County Commissioners meeting, Tuesday morning.
“So, hot off the press, right now, Ricky Carter, the major from Northside District and his outstanding staff have two in custody responsible for the shooting of those people,” he said to applause.
Miami-Dade Police held a news conference Tuesday, at 3 p.m., to address details of these arrests.
Perez said his announcement was not about bragging about making the arrests but about sending a message to the community and to those who commit crimes with guns.
“With all the leads we were able to obtain because of the information that came in, we’re able to make some arrests,” Perez said.
Police said Brownlee has been charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempted second-degree murder and carrying a concealed fire arm. Britt is also charged with attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a minor.
Eight victims were hurt after being caught in the crossfire: 18-year-old Shawnteri Wilson, 20-year-old Jerome Battle, 30-year-old Michael Clarke, 14-year-old Lajada Benson, 15-year-old Nakyasenat Butler, 17-year-old Alfanesha Times, 13-year-old Keionna Green and 11-year-old Ciara Johnson.
“The young men shot into a crowd. You have eight people that could have been easily killed,” said Minister Brian Dennis, the parade organizer.
While the victims are all expected to be OK, they still carry the emotional scars of the day. “I was scared that I was gonna lose my life,” Green said. “I knew they was gonna catch them. I feel relief. I feel better.”
Green’s mother, Shiqueta Brownlee, said she is relieved police made the arrests. “I just want to thank the police for putting in their hard work and catching them,” she said.
One day after the shooting, Perez led a news conference at MLK Memorial Park to ask the public for information. “We’re not gonna take this any longer. Enough is enough on the gun violence,” Perez said at that the conference on Jan. 17.
One week later, two teens suspected of being responsible were arrested, charged and hauled off to jail.
Police said they will not release a lot of information to avoid jeopardizing their investigation.
Copyright 2024 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.