Doral, Florida – A tragic incident unfolded early Saturday at a bar in the CityPlace Doral development in Doral, Florida. The altercation resulted in two fatalities and seven individuals sustaining injuries from gunfire.
Authorities revealed that a dispute between patrons erupted at around 3:30 a.m. at the Martini Bar, prompting a security guard to intervene. Tragically, the security guard was fatally shot by an unnamed individual who produced a firearm during the scuffle, according to Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta.
Upon the arrival of two Doral police officers who were providing security at the establishment, the situation escalated into a gunfight. One of the officers bravely engaged the assailant, ultimately neutralizing the threat. However, one officer sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh, demonstrating remarkable resilience by applying a tourniquet to himself, as stated by Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez.
In the chaos, six bystanders were also caught in the crossfire, with four men and two women enduring gunshot wounds. While the wounded officer has been discharged from the hospital, the six injured bystanders remain hospitalized, with two individuals listed in critical condition, relayed Zabaleta.
Residents in nearby apartments recounted hearing a barrage of gunfire in the early hours of the morning, sparking fear and confusion. Law enforcement officials are diligently investigating the incident to determine the sequence of events and the parties involved in the exchange of gunfire.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the violence, authorities are conducting thorough interviews with witnesses and collecting evidence from the scene. In the wake of the tragedy, the mall management has bolstered security measures and is gradually reopening parts of the development to the public.
Meanwhile, the owners of the bar have pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigations and are conducting their own internal inquiry into the events leading up to the shooting. The community stands united in mourning the loss of life and offering support to those impacted by the harrowing incident.