North Miami Beach is grappling with a tragedy that has left the local community shaken, as police intensify their search for four suspects involved in the fatal shooting of a smoke shop clerk during what is believed to be an armed robbery turned deadly. The incident occurred late in the evening of June 11 at Miami Cloudz Smoke Shop, situated at 2063 NE 163 St, where 35-year-old clerk Salem Albakri was gunned down.
According to surveillance footage mentioned by NBC Miami, the confrontation began with a man wearing an red hoodie brandishing a firearm and directing Albakri not to move. Defying the armed assailant, Albakri made a dash to the back of the store, resulting in a fatal shot being fired. The suspects fled the scene immediately afterward.
Emergency responders who arrived on the scene found Albakri with a gunshot wound, but despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injury at the shop. A Facebook post by a family member mourned the loss, describing Albakri as a "kind, gentle" soul who had recently married and moved to Miami to start anew, WSVN reported. Neighboring business employees and area residents expressed their concern, with one man saying, "He was only doing his job and didn’t have any problems," in a statement obtained by WSVN.
As tensions rise and safety concerns are voiced by the public, the North Miami Beach Police Department has extended an appeal for assistance. They request that anyone with information reach out to Detective Daise at 305-949-5500 ext. 3535, as mentioned in their post on X for public assistance. Furthermore, anyone with potential leads can also reach Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS, offering an avenue for anonymous tips that may facilitate the capture of the four men and serve the cause of justice for a crime that has deeply impacted the North Miami Beach community.
The NMBPD is requesting assistance from the public regarding a homicide. Anyone with information can contact Detective Daise at 305-949-5500 ext. 3535. pic.twitter.com/pqk3errzhb
— North Miami Beach PD (@myNMBPolice) July 3, 2024
