An 18-year-old male has died following a shooting that erupted after an argument at Naranja Park in Southwest Miami-Dade, local authorities say. The incident unfolded just after 7 p.m. when Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units were called to the scene, located at 14150 Southwest 264th Street. The young man was discovered with a gunshot wound and promptly transported to hospital, but he did not survive, as WSVN reported.
The situation began with a confrontation that quickly escalated and, despite details remaining sparse, it is understood that the victim had been in an argument with the shooter before the fatal event took place, Local 10 News has learned. Distraught relatives were seen at the crime scene, and the park has been cordoned off as deputies continue their search for clues and any potential suspects.
An MDSO spokesperson made a direct plea to the community during these difficult times: "I do want to ask the community to please, if you are involved in an altercation with anybody else, to please just walk away. It is not worth the argument," echoing sentiments of the tragedy's preventable nature. Meanwhile, the grandfather of the victim's 17-year-old friend who witnessed the ordeal told 7News that his grandson tried to save the victim by using his shirt to staunch the bleeding from several gunshot wounds.
As of now, the shooter remains unidentified and at large. The link between the victim and the individual who pulled the trigger is not yet known. Anyone with information pertaining to the crime is urged to come forward and contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS, one may remain anonymous, and be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000, as NBC Miami reflects on the community's loss.
