A road rage incident in NW Miami-Dade turned violent yesterday morning, resulting in the arrest of two drivers. According to NBC Miami, the altercation began on the road and continued at a Chevron gas station at Northwest 67th Avenue and 169th Street around 9:20 a.m. The drivers, Manuel Valera, 61, and Altwan Martin, 35, both drew firearms during the dispute.
No injuries were reported, thanks to an off-duty deputy who was nearby. "Immediately he took action. He got out of his vehicle. He went over to them, he held them at gunpoint until other deputies were able to arrive and they took both subjects into custody," said Miami-Dade Sheriff's Deputy Samantha Choon in an interview with NBC Miami. Manuel Valera, who is accused of firing the shots, faces several charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm.
Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz said, "The deputy's quick response, composure, and professionalism saved lives today. This incident could have resulted in tragedy and a senseless loss of life, but instead, both subjects are in custody, and no one was injured," according to a statement on the Miami-Dade government website. Altwan Martin faces charges of attempted battery after deputies said he tried to hit Valera before the gunfire, as well as a weapon charge for improperly exhibiting a firearm.
Witnesses at the scene heard two to three shots fired before the off-duty officer intervened. One witness recalled the officer’s timely arrival: "Coincidentally, at the right point in time, the police officer was approaching the red light, I tried lowering my window to get his attention, the second gunshot goes off and that's when the police officer took control of the situation," a witness told NBC Miami.
Driving instructor Gus Abella, speaking to WSVN, advised, "I tell my students to be careful because our roads are very unsafe. If someone beeps, honks at them or drives too close, to ignore them. It's the best thing."
