A 65-year-old man, Manuel Lopez, is in custody after a dispute over $10 led to a stabbing in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. Lopez has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the incident, which involved a 33-year-old man last Tuesday. Authorities report that the confrontation stemmed from a previous drug-related debt, with the victim stating that Lopez had not repaid him, leading him to keep the $10 Lopez offered for a new transaction, according to NBC Miami.
After the confrontation turned physical, the victim sought assistance from a friend at a nearby ATM and was later taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center for surgery. Lopez was subsequently arrested; police reported finding items indicating recent drug use and clothing that appeared to be stained with blood.
Surveillance footage from nearby businesses, reported by Local 10, recorded key moments before and after the stabbing. One camera showed the victim running while Lopez pursued him, reportedly carrying a knife. Another video captured Lopez standing in a cafeteria after the chase, remaining there for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Lopez has a long criminal history dating back to 1985, including six convictions in the 1990s and more recent arrests for petit theft. He now faces additional charges, including cocaine possession and possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use. His bond for these charges is set at $4,000. At the time of his most recent arrest, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also placed a hold on him.
As the victim recovers from surgery, the case has moved to the Miami-Dade County Circuit Court before Judge Milton Hirsch. Lopez remains in custody after a judge denied him bond on the attempted murder charge.
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