SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are investigating a shooting and possible arson attack after early morning flames left two cars charred at a South Florida home.
Police said they began to receive 911 calls about a fire near Southwest 150th Court and 107th Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade, at around 3 a.m., Friday.
In addition to the calls of a fire, police also investigated reports of gunfire in the area. They are trying to determine if the two are connected.
“Investigators with the Arsons Unit and the Kendall District General Investigations Unit from the Miami-Dade Police Department are investigating a residential fire and a shots-fired incident that occurred at this location,” said Miami-Dade Police detective Angel Rodriguez.
The flames and shots fired sent residents on the street scrambling.
Gwen Swan lives next to the home where the fire broke out.
“I’m running from one window to the other trying to see what’s going on,” she said.
Two cars could be seen engulfed in flames.
“When the officers arrived, they discovered there were two vehicles parked in the driveway that were fully engulfed, and the flames from those vehicles spread to the residence,” Rodriguez said.
Investigators said officers found bullet casings in the front yard.
“I was angry hearing gunshots at 3 o’clock in the morning, and I’m literally at my door, getting ready to open my door, and I’m hearing gunshots,” Swan said.
Two people were inside the home but were not hurt.
Fire rescue crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to other homes.
The charred Mercedes-Benz SUV and Honda sedan were later towed away.
Now investigators are trying to sort out what happened and who is responsible.
“Even though detectives are speaking to the homeowners and are speaking to the neighbors to try to piece what happened at this location, we still need more people to come forth with any information that they may have seen or may have heard,” Rodriguez said.
“It was just not a good morning,” Swan said.
The residents of the home where the fire started declined to comment on the incident.
If you have any information on this fire or shooting, call Miami-Dade Police or 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.
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