Tensions in Opa-locka escalated this week with a drive-by shooting on Sunday afternoon, which resulted in injuries to several individuals. Local law enforcement authorities and fire rescue personnel responded to the incident that unfolded outside of the Iglesia Betesda, a gated church, after a woman was grazed by gunfire, Local 10 News reported.
According to the victims, their exit from the Glorieta Gardens Apartments was interrupted by the rapid eruption of gunfire from a passing Lexus. The women, who preferred to remain anonymous expressed fears of a gang dispute, which they firmly claim to have no part in; however, their afternoon was pierced by violence nonetheless, "They said a shooter, likely a gang member, fired from a Lexus," Local 10 News reported.
The attack left its mark on a black sports utility vehicle which had been parked outside the church, now riddled with bullet holes. NBC Miami added that three women, originally thought to have been struck by bullets, were actually injured by the shattered glass that resulted when their black Suburban was struck in the apparent drive-by. "The black Suburban was found with multiple broken windows and bullet holes," NBC Miami conveyed. Despite the damages, it appears the incident could have been far more catastrophic.
The recent spate of violence in the neighborhood has left many on edge. Opa-locka has witnessed two murders in the last week, a stark reminder of the fragility of life in the face of such senseless violence. A man was fatally shot while delivering a package, and, Miami Norland Senior High School football coach, Keon Smith, was killed in a separate shooting. Authorities are piecing together events and motives, encouraging anyone with information to come forward, an effort to stem the tide of violence that has gripped the community. As of now, the Opa-locka Police Department investigates to determine the motive, and find those accountable for the church's vicinity shooting.
