Early this morning, Miami Gardens was shaken by two separate drive-by shootings that left four injured and hospitalized, as police scramble to find the assailants. As WSVN reported the first incident occurred at approximately 2 a.m., near Northwest 199th Street and Seventh Avenue. Witnesses described the horror as four men pulled up in a dark SUV, opened fire, and then promptly fled the scene.
One resident, recalling the terrifying event, told WSVN, "[I heard] I think at least 20 [gunshots]. It sounded like [a back and forth]. It was very scary. The first thing I did was go to the floor." Struck by the gunmen, two women were transported to Aventura hospital as a trauma alert, accompanied by a third victim.
The second shooting rattled another neighborhood less than four miles away around 1 a.m., where a man was targeted and subsequently airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital, as reported by NBC Miami. Officers found an active police scene, highlighted by the presence of about half a dozen police vehicles and a towed black SUV that the victim was believed to be inside during the attack.
As per the latest updates, the victims from the first onslaught are in stable condition, having been attended to by the fast-acting Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, according to an interview given by Myriam Munroe to NBC Miami. "I was so scared," she said. "The first thing I did, I dropped to the ground." Dozens of evidence markers were painted on the street where the incident took place, with the police clearing the scene after 5 a.m.
Authorities have yet to establish a link between the two drive-by shootings and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Those with knowledge of either incident are encouraged to contact Miami Gardens Police Department or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS, with the potential of a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and the promise of anonymity for those who offer tips.
