Police in Hialeah are investigating an incident that occurred early this morning at the Sunrise Plaza, resulting in one man being found seriously injured. The shopping plaza, located at the intersection of Palm Avenue and West 12th Street, drew significant attention as investigators and crime scene personnel gathered evidence throughout the area. WSVN reports a witness described seeing "a man on the ground, covered in blood" during her morning walk, prompting her to seek help urgently at a nearby gas station.
Contrasting reports about the timing of the incident have emerged. A resident nearby mentioned hearing gunshots around 3 a.m., which has yet to be confirmed by the authorities. Another witness reported a traumatic encounter with the victim, saying, "I get close, and I see the body, like bleeding, and I just run to the gas station. I was so scared. I say, ‘Please give me the phone. I need you to call 911," according to WSVN. The victim's condition remains a matter shrouded in uncertainty at present time.
A jewelry store owner in the plaza told WSVN that surveillance footage captured a clear image of the violent act, showing a man approach the victim at around 1:30 a.m., then fire four shots, two of them into the victim's head. The owner recognized the alleged suspect as someone living close by, hinting at a disturbing proximity to violence for local residents.
As first responders transferred the victim to Ryder Trauma Center, Judy Rodriguez provided her eyewitness account, saying, "I was walking this way, and I see the guy on the floor,” and continued that “I see the bleeding so I didn’t get close to it, and I call 911." She elucidates the paradox of an emergency in plain sight, yet devoid of immediate assistance, telling NBC Miami, "There was people passing by and nobody helped." Details are currently constrained as the investigation progresses and no confirmation has been made regarding the overall condition of the victim.
Hialeah Police have not yet made any arrests as they continue to investigate the scene, while a black bag with blood was discovered at the entrance of a business. Police are urging anyone with information relating to the crime to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS, reminding the public that tips can be made anonymously and may lead to a reward. As further developments arise, updates are expected to be provided by local news outlets.
