A regular shopping day at a Walmart Supercenter in Florida City turned into a scene of panic when customers heard gunshots inside the store. This incident took place last Saturday and had people desperately running for the nearest exit, according to witness accounts. The store, located at 33501 South Dixie Highway in southern Miami-Dade County, quickly became surrounded by law enforcement and emergency personnel as the sound of gunfire sent shoppers into a frenzy.

Videos captured by witnesses and later shared depict the palpable fear as “Everybody started running toward the back ... we went out the back door where everybody piled up,” as Robert Malneo described in a statement obtained by Local 10 News. The response to the incident involved officers from the Miami-Dade and Florida City police departments along with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Additionally, a video obtained by CFL News Today shows a man handcuffed to a stretcher being loaded into an ambulance by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel. A Florida City police officer, who also rode in the ambulance but did not seem to be injured, was captured in the same footage.

Details surrounding the cause of the incident remain sparse. However, a woman, claiming to be related to a Walmart loss prevention employee who was present during the event, conveyed a deeply unsettling situation. She claimed that a detained retail theft suspect had brandished a gun after being left alone in a room by a police officer, as per Local 10 News.

Investigators have called upon the public to come forward with any pertinent information that could contribute to understanding the events of that day. Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers has been indicated as the contact point for anyone who might possess insights or details about this case. Witnesses or those with relevant information are encouraged to call 305-471-8477, with the option to remain anonymous assured.