Doral, Florida – A deadly gunfight erupted at a bar in the CityPlace Doral mall early Saturday morning, resulting in two fatalities and seven injuries.
According to Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta, the altercation began around 3:30 a.m. inside the Martini Bar when a fight broke out. The situation escalated when a security guard attempted to intervene, leading to a tragic outcome as an unidentified individual drew a weapon and fatally shot the security guard.
In response to the gunfire, two off-duty Doral police officers who were also providing security at the establishment engaged in the gunfight. One of the officers managed to neutralize the shooter, but not without consequences, as the officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Despite being injured, the four-year veteran of the force quickly applied a tourniquet to himself, as revealed by Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez during a press briefing.
The chaotic scene left six additional bystanders wounded – five men and one woman. While the wounded officer has been discharged from the hospital, the six bystanders remain hospitalized, with two in critical condition, as indicated by Zabaleta.
Eyewitness William Suedois shared his harrowing experience, recounting how the hails of gunfire shattered the early morning peace. He recalled the initial three gunshots, initially mistaking them for fireworks before the subsequent intense barrage of gunfire rang out, instilling fear and uncertainty.
Authorities, including the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, are currently investigating the shootings, while Miami-Dade Police are focusing on the two fatalities. Additionally, the motive behind the initial fight that triggered the violent escalation has not been confirmed, leaving investigators to piece together the events that transpired at the bar.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement officials are diligently gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses at the crime scene. Meanwhile, the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragic incident, mourning the loss of the security guard whose identity has not yet been disclosed.