Multiple Suspects Sought in Fatal Shooting at Florida City Walmart
Florida City, FL – Tragedy struck a Walmart in Florida City on Wednesday afternoon when a shooting incident left one person dead and another injured. Panic ensued as shoppers and employees ran for cover, resulting in multiple injuries. Authorities are currently on the hunt for multiple suspects involved in the altercation that led to the shooting.
Miami-Dade Police reported that the incident occurred at approximately 3 p.m. at the Walmart located on S. Dixie Highway. Two individuals were shot during the altercation, with one succumbing to their injuries and the other expected to survive, according to authorities. Heartbreaking cellphone footage captured the aftermath of the shooting, showing courageous individuals trying to aid one of the victims lying on the store’s floor.
Witnesses recounted hearing a flurry of six gunshots, which prompted a chaotic scene as shoppers scrambled to find safety. “I heard six shots, pow-pow-pow, and then everybody was running away,” shared one witness who was present in the store at the time of the incident.
Miami-Dade Police spokesperson Alvaro Zabaleta revealed that the altercation initially involved two groups, with three individuals on each side. The situation quickly escalated when one person produced a firearm and began to shoot. Tragically, an innocent bystander was caught in the crossfire and struck by a stray bullet, resulting in their death.
An alarming detail emerged as Zabaleta disclosed that two young children were among the customers and employees present during the shooting. He expressed gratitude that the incident was not even more catastrophic given the high number of individuals in harm’s way. Zabaleta announced that officers managed to apprehend one suspect involved in the altercation, while four others managed to flee the scene.
Upon arriving at the Walmart, law enforcement officers swarmed the area, with several seen apprehending a man who was later placed in the back of a Florida City Police car. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews were also on-site, tending to individuals who had suffered minor cuts and scrapes while fleeing from the gunfire. An additional woman who sustained a head injury while trying to escape sought treatment at a local hospital.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of those involved in the altercation and subsequent shooting. Zabaleta emphasized that the investigation is ongoing. Surveillance footage is currently being reviewed to gather more information, and authorities are appealing to the public for any assistance in locating the remaining four suspects.
“We are deeply saddened by what took place in our Florida City store, and our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones. The store is closed at this time,” stated a Walmart spokesperson in response to the incident. The company also pledged to cooperate fully with law enforcement in their investigation.
As authorities continue to piece together the events leading to the shooting, members of the public are urged to come forward with any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem. The police are relying on the community’s support to bring all the suspects to justice.
NBC6 will provide updates on this developing story as more details emerge.