A shooting at a Miami-Dade warehouse area yesterday has left three people shot, including the gunman, who is believed to have shot himself. Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz confirmed the incident, which resulted in a heavy police presence and emergency units responding to the scene at Southwest 72nd Avenue and 45th Street. The area was swarmed by SWAT teams and Florida Highway Patrol troopers, Local 10 News reported.
During the response, Priced Right Motors, Inc., a used car dealer at 7321 SW 45 St., found itself at the center of the lockdown, with deputies enclosing the surrounding premises and closing off nearby roads, including Bird Road and Miller Drive. The county sheriff advised the public to avoid the area to assist with the ongoing operation, as deputies maneuvered through the scene and even landed a helicopter on a football field in Tropical Park, based on information from NBC6.
Amidst the chaos, the situation caused particular alarm as it coincided with Take Your Child to Work Day, where many businesses, including a batting cage center, a lawnmower store, and a gym were active with parents and children. A mother, whose identity was not disclosed, told Local 10 News that she did not hear gunshots but promptly secured the workplace to ensure the safety of the children present.
The sheriff's office has yet to confirm the death of the shooter, despite sources revealing to NBC6 the suspect's fatal self-inflicted injury. Sheriff Cordero-Stutz emphasized in her statement that there was no imminent threat to the community, however, authorities were still canvassing the area for more possible victims with K-9 units and tactical teams actively searching through nearby buildings.
The sheriff's department requested that residents and commuters avoid the affected stretch from Southwest 70th to 75th avenues, running from Southwest 40th to 48th Street to allow emergency and law enforcement teams to manage the situation. Taryn Leighton described to NBC6 how the unfolding event disrupted her return to work from lunch as law enforcement vehicles sped past her, prompting her to watch the situation unfold from a nearby parking lot.
