MIAMI (WSVN) - New surveillance video captures a customer’s refund rampage that sent a North Miami-Dade liquor store employee to the hospital.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the shooting unfolded Thursday evening in Jensen’s Liquors, located just north of 79th Street on North Miami Avenue, late Thursday afternoon.
Speaking with 7News on Thursday, the family of the victim identified him as 70-year-old Emmanuel Taylor, adding he has worked at the liquor store for six years.
“If you can’t handle a fight with 70-year-old man, and you have to resort to pulling out firearms, then how is this person going to even survive in prison?” said Rashad Taylor, the victim’s nephew.
Investigators said the subject walked into the business trying to return merchandise at around 5:45 p.m.
“That return was denied by a clerk at the register. The subject then proceeded to grab a full bottle of liquor from the display area and try to make his way out of the store with it, without paying for it,” said MDPD Detective Andre Martin.
That is when the 70-year-old store clerk stepped from behind the counter and approached the subject.
Police said a struggle ensued between the two men inside the store, and moments later, it spilled into the parking lot of the business.
The security footage captures the subject as he fell down. As he hit the ground, the video showed the flash from the firearm.
“You get a call from your family member saying something has happened,” said Rashad.
“My husband’s life is important to us,” said Nong Taylor, Emmanuel’s wife.
Detectives said paramedics transported the victim to Ryder Trauma Center with a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
Nong said she is terrified for her husband.
“[He said], ‘It happened, I’m shot, I don’t know what to do,'” she said. “My whole body shakes.”
The subject fled the scene on a bike in an unknown direction on a bicycle, according to police. As of Friday afternoon, he remains at large.
“Anyone who knows the whereabouts of this person is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers,” said Martin. “This person is considered armed and dangerous. Do not engage with this person. This is an individual who has already shot and injured one person over a menial piece of property. Do not engage with this person.”
The Taylor family said Emmanuel was in critical condition when he was taken to the hospital but is now in stable condition, adding he got out of surgery on Friday and is recovering.
Emmanuel’s loved ones have a message for the gunman.
“As far as I’m concerned, this person can drink a glass of bleach, and I could care less,” said Rashad.
Police consider the subject to be armed and dangerous.
If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts, 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.
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