A violent altercation at the Dinner Key Marina in Coconut Grove escalated to gunfire, according to Miami Police. The incident, which began as an argument over personal possessions, ended with one man shot and another arrested. The exchange occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Monday, as reported by the Miami Herald.
The conflict apparently originated from belongings left on the victim's boat by 43-year-old Joseph Randall Woodward, who lives aboard another vessel in the marina. After discovering Woodward's items on his boat, the victim was said to have transported them back to Woodward's vessel, prompting the heated encounter. As per Local10 news, the victim was met with gunfire, sustaining a shot in the abdomen and grazes to his arm.
Following the shooting, the victim, who has not been publicly identified, took refuge in his dinghy to flee but was pursued by Woodward. During this pursuit, a physical confrontation ensued. "The victim then reached the shoreline, where he sought police assistance," according to Local10 news. Police detained Woodward after he was treated for a laceration sustained when the victim reportedly struck him with a flashlight.
Despite the arrest and police allegations, Woodward has denied the act of shooting. "But did not know the reason," Woodward expressed to officers when he saw that the victim was bleeding, as noted in the police report detailed by the Miami Herald. He was booked on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. As of last reports, Woodward awaited a bond hearing in the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
The victim was hospitalized at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital. As of now, his current condition has not been disclosed. Information regarding Woodward's legal representation remains unavailable, leaving unanswered questions as this case proceeds through the legal system.
