A confrontation during rush hour traffic near Miami International Airport escalated into gunfire Friday evening, leaving two men hospitalized with critical injuries, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff’s deputies were called to Southwest 92nd Avenue and Southwest 4th Street at about 5:45 p.m.
They found two men with gunshot wounds to the upper body. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported both to an area hospital, where they remain in critical but stable condition.
MDSO public information officer Samantha Choon said investigators believe the violence stemmed from a road rage altercation between the drivers of two separate vehicles.
Witness thought it was a car accident
Grace Castro, who was driving through the area, said she initially thought the encounter was a car accident.
“When I pulled up the guy was coming out of the car. It looked like it may have been a car accident… but at that point, he just walked out and he started beating on the guy,” she recalled. Moments later, she heard “three pops” that she first mistook for a blown tire.
Passenger not hurt, detectives investigating
A passenger riding in one of the cars was unharmed and is being interviewed by detectives. Authorities confirmed there were no other people involved in the shooting.
Choon said multiple shots were fired, though the number remains under investigation. Detectives have not determined whether both drivers discharged weapons or who fired first.
MDSO urges drivers to avoid confrontations
Standing at the scene, Choon cautioned drivers about the dangers of escalating disputes on crowded roadways.
“If people are getting angry, just try to stay away from them. Try to avoid the situation,” she said. “It’s unnecessary. Two people are injured in this incident.”
No charges have been announced. Detectives continue to interview witnesses and review evidence.
