A man in his 50s was fatally stabbed yesterday afternoon outside a downtown Miami restaurant, prompting an active search for the suspect. The incident unfolded near El Cacique Lunch Restaurant at 112 W. Flagler St. shortly before 3:30 p.m., as reported by CBS News Miami. Witnesses described seeing a physical altercation between the victim and another man who, in the midst of the fistfight, produced a knife and delivered the fatal stab wound to the victim's armpit.
After the stabbing, according to a local resident, Troy Jones, "I just saw two guys fist fighting. One guy dropped, I looked up and then a guy passed by on a scooter with a bloody knife." The victim was subsequently transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. Despite efforts, his identity has not been released, and the suspect remains at large with no description provided by authorities, as per CBS News Miami.
7News captured a chilling scene with a scooter toppled over and a blood smear marking the site of the conflict. "We did receive the call in reference to an altercation that took place and unfortunately, one male has been confirmed deceased at this time," said Miami Police Officer Rafael Horta in a statement to 7News. The area was cordoned off as police scoured the scene for evidence and leads that could assist them in their ongoing investigation.
Adrian Fernandez, an employee in the area, stressed the need for intervention, saying to CBS News Miami, "You see a lot. Sometimes I get off work around 5:30 or 6, and you see arguing, you see people in bags. It just gets a little tense." He called for action to clean this area up so it can be safer for locals. Witness Adrian Ramos mentioned to 7News that he had previously seen both the victim and the assailant engaging in violent arguments.
The Miami Police Department is urging anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspect to come forward. Confidential tips can be submitted by calling Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Informants may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000. This stabbing marks the second such death in Miami within a two-day span, raising serious concerns about public safety in the area.
