What started as a quiet overnight in the Upper Keys turned into a wild scene on Card Sound Bridge early Friday, when Monroe County deputies rushed to reports of rapid gunfire echoing across the span in North Key Largo. Witnesses and deputies on scene described dozens of shots ripping into the darkness, with rounds fired toward the thick mangroves and out over open water. A short time later, deputies stopped a vehicle and took its three occupants into custody for questioning.
According to the Tampa Free Press, deputies first got calls about gunfire around 12:18 a.m. When they arrived at Card Sound Bridge, they found 36 fresh brass shell casings scattered at the scene. Before long, officers pulled over a Honda sedan on County Road 905, found a 9mm handgun inside, and transported the three men inside the car to a local jail for processing. The sheriff's office said there were no reported injuries.
The men were identified as Luis Gerardo Jaramillo‑Montoya, 23, of Pembroke Pines; William Raul Garcia, 20, of Miami; and Jonathan Garica, 18, of Goulds. Each faces a charge of unlawful discharge of a firearm in public, as reported by the Tampa Free Press. During questioning, the trio allegedly admitted to “discharging multiple rounds toward the mangroves and ocean,” authorities told the outlet. Deputies say they are still processing the scene and collecting evidence.
Legal consequences
Unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public place is prohibited under state law and can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor, or in some situations bumped up to a felony. Per Florida Statutes, Chapter 790, penalties increase if shots are fired from a vehicle or if someone is injured. Prosecutors will decide how to proceed once the investigation is complete.
Why the bridge matters
Card Sound Bridge, which sits on County Road 905, is more than just a scenic shortcut. It serves as an alternate route into the Keys and a key evacuation corridor during hurricanes, so any incident there can ripple into broader safety and traffic concerns. As outlined by FDOT, state and county officials are already studying a possible replacement for the structure, underscoring how critical this stretch is for regional travel and emergency planning.
Officials have not released additional details about potential motives or full booking information. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is ongoing.
