Fort Lauderdale Police units responded to a call of a possible shooting late Wednesday night at 17 South Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, at around 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

Upon their arrival, officers located the victim suffering from a gunshot wound.

Officers secured the scene, and tactical medical aid was immediately given to the teen, who was later identified as Joshua Gipson Jr.

Cellphone video captured the moment panic spread, as witnesses ran for cover.

“That’s real deal, better get down,” a man is heard saying in the video.

Jeff Saylor told 7News he heard gunshots ring out.

“I heard another shot, a couple of shots, I believe about five total,” said Saylor.

Investigators said someone began shooting outside the CVS pharmacy in the Beach Place complex.

Some witnesses recognized that the popping sounds weren’t fireworks going off in the sky.

“And I said, ‘That’s not fireworks,'” said Bob McDonald, another witness. “It scared the heck out of me.”

Guests at a nearby hotel even received a text message from the building’s management warning them to stay indoors.

“It was alarming, right, because you don’t know what’s going on, you know. In this day and age, you don’t know what it is or what it could be,” said Chris Pate.

Paramedics with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue promptly transported Gipson, who had just turned 17, as a trauma alert to Broward Health Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The teen’s grieving father, Joshua Gipson Sr., said his son was out with friends when he believes the teen was caught in the crossfire.

“He was doing the right thing, he didn’t have no problems,” he said. “An innocent bystander. Some people were arguing when the shooting started and he got shot.”

One witness who did not wish to be identified told 7News the shooting appeared to happen after two people got into an argument, but authorities have not made any conclusions.

“A guy, he just passed away right there, he just got shot,” said the witness. “I’m 18 years old, and I saw him, he was 17 years old, and it just broke my heart seeing that.”

“I just hate it happened,” said a longtime friend of the teen who did not wish to be identified.

The elder Gipson said his son was a football player for several South Florida high school teams and planned to attend Virginia Tech.

“He made good choices in life, you know what I’m saying? He wasn’t making anything bad,” he said.

A lifelong friend of Gipson, who asked not to be identified or show his face on camera, said the two had known each other since they were kids who played football together.

“He was funny, he was fun to be around, he was always a happy soul. He was a good person,” he said.

Detectives have not shared many details but said they believe this to be an isolated incident.

Gipson’s death comes a few days after, police said, five people were hurt in a shooting just a few miles away, in downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Himmarshee Village district.

Detectives said someone started shooting outside Dicey Riley’s Irish Pub on Southwest Second Street, off Third Avenue, at around 2 a.m. on Sunday.

The FBI has since joined forces with local police, as they work to track down who was behind this overnight shooting.

As for Gipson’s loved ones, they are still trying to make sense of it all.

“I went blank. I don’t know how to – it’s just crazy,” said his friend. “I mean, I expected a lot on New Year’s night, but when it’s one of your peoples, or one of your old friends or somebody you grew up with, you don’t know what to think.”

The victim’s mother described him as the kind of kid that younger children looked up to and that he was fearless.

The incident remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe has been created to assist the family with funeral expenses. If you would like to donate, click here.

If you have additional information regarding this shooting or the gunman’s whereabouts, please contact Detective J. Sanchez of the homicide unit at 954-828-4900 or call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

The prime minister spent Wednesday morning meeting with evangelical leaders at his hotel before heading to the Shul of Bal Harbour, located at 9540 Collins Ave., to attend the event.

Netanyahu met with lawmakers, Jewish and community leaders, and local students at the event.

As a result, Collins Avenue was closed to vehicular and foot traffic between 93rd and 96th streets, with nearby streets also facing impacts, Surfside officials said.

Street parking was already off limits at 6 a.m., as police prepared to shut down the roadway; those closures began at around 10 a.m.

In preparation for the road closure, Surfside officials said, trucks started to be turned around by 86th and 87th streets at around 8 a.m.

7Skyforce hovered above bumper-to-bumper traffic along Collins Avenue near the synagogue, late Wednesday morning. Cars were forced to turn around as the roadway remained closed.

Some passersby who spoke with 7News were happy with Netanyahu’s appearance.

“Very excited to see, very nice to see him out and about this morning,” said Ben Garner. “A very exciting New Year’s Eve.”

“It is wonderful, it’s unbelievable, it’s a dream, and it seems like it’s going to be better for Israel ad better for Hamas,” said a man.

Some residents were not as happy to see the prime minister, as a group of pro Palestine supporters gathered to protest against Netanyahu.

Deputies broke up a small confrontation that broke out between demonstrators and supporters.

The high-profile visit comes just days after Netanyahu’s meeting with President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, which has since been characterized as a strong display of unity.

“There’s very little difference in what we’re looking at and where we want to be, where we want to go,” Trump said Monday.

During that meeting, the president vowed to rebuild Gaza “as quickly as we can,” but only if Hamas disarms.

“They’re going to be given a very short period of time to disarm, but if they don’t disarm — as they agreed to do, they agreed to it — then there’ll be hell to pay, for them, and we don’t want that,” said Trump.

Israeli officials maintained they won’t withdraw more troops from Gaza until Hamas demobilizes.

Trump pushed back when asked whether Netanyahu is stalling.

“Israel’s lived up to the plan, 100%,” he said.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu is expected to fly back to Israel Thursday afternoon.

The roads around Surfside have since been reopened.

Speaking with 7News on Tuesday, Juan Alcocer said the victims in Monday evening’s crash were his little brother, his cousin and a family friend.

“I didn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it,” he said.

Late Tuesday morning, Alcocer visited the spot along the 1600 block of North Federal Highway where, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said, the victims were killed.

“It’s unbelievable still, still trying to cope with it, you know,” he said. “Devastating, right now, it’s unbelievable.”

“It’s just, it’s a real sad situation,” said a family friend. “We really wanted to come out here to show respect and support.”

Alcocer identified the victims as his 18-year-old younger brother, Richard Manuel Alcocer; their 16-year-old cousin, Miguel Montes; and their 15-year-old family friend, Ruben Balthazar, known to loved ones as Junior.

“They were like the Three Musketeers, always together, every day, always together,” said Alcocer.

“I just came here to see how it happened, for real. They sure was joyful, you feel me? They spread good around them,” said Williamson Joseph, a friend of the victims. “Junior, he was a respectful child, Miguel, he was a funny kid, and Richard, he was fun to hang around with.”

A cousin of the victims, Maria Gonzales, also spoke out on her family’s loss.

“Three Musketeers, like they always hanged out together, every day; that’s why they named them the Three Musketeers,” she said. “They’re all gonna be missed.”

Investigators said the victims’ white BMW lost control and crashed into a bus stop and concrete pole.

Witnesses Jessica and Jerry Garcia described what they saw.

“The white car in particular was flying by to try and make the light. The light was already yellow turning to red, and he flew by,” said Jerry.

Deputies said the white car collided with another car before crashing into the light pole and the bus stop.

“So loud, it was so loud, like we’ve just – we’ve been shaking.” said Jessica.

Cellphone video captured first responders as they worked quickly to remove the three victims from the vehicle as nearby drivers watched in fear.

Paramedics rushed the patients to Broward Health North.

“Sadly, all three were pronounced deceased,” said BSO spokesperson Carey Codd. “To have three young people die in a crash like this, it absolutely breaks your heart.”

Alcocer said their families found out about the crash because the mother of one of the victims got an alert on her phone.

“It notified her that her son, they were going super fast. All of a sudden, it stopped, and it stayed there for quite some time,” he said. “And they tried calling. No pickup, nothing.”

The crash left the bus stop torn apart and the light pole on its side, with shattered glass thrown about the sidewalk.

“We have teenage boys, and so, for us, this is just so painful,” said Jessica.

Deputies shut down a portion of North Federal Highway for hours. Their investigation lasted well into the night.

“They are taking witness statements, gathering evidence, looking for video that will help them try and understand what led up to this tragedy,” said Codd.

Tuesday morning, crews removed the debris left behind.

Family members told 7News all three victims were students at Blanche Ely High School, with Richard having graduated this past spring.

Detectives stated that excessive speed from the driver of the sedan may have been a contributing factor in the crash, as they continue their investigation.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a traffic crash along the 1600 block of North Federal Highway in Pompano Beach, at around 7 p.m. on Monday.

According to investigators, the victims — ages 15, 16 and 18 — were killed in the two-vehicle crash.

“One of those vehicles had crashed into a light pole and also impacted a bus stop,” said BSO spokesperson Carey Codd.

Deputies said all three victims were inside a white car when the crash occurred.

Witnesses Jessica and Jerry Garcia described what they saw.

“The white car in particular was flying by to try and make the light. The light was already yellow turning to red, and he flew by, at least in excess of 80 to 90 miles an hour. He was really flying fast,” said Jerry.

“We could feel it,” said Jessica. “So loud, it was so loud, like we’ve just – we’ve been shaking.”

“He was about to hit the car in the center lane. He swerved over the get away from it, hit the car in the left-hand outer lane,” said Jerry.

Another witness said the sound from the impact was deafening.

“I was actually at the light, about to make a left, and I heard the loud boom, which, automatically I had to just stop the car and try to get out to see if anyone – but, it was bad to the point where from what I saw, it was a bad accident,” he said. “Ran over, obviously I saw a lot of blood, don’t know who, or what happened, but I was just terrified.”

The crash left one of the vehicles involved facing the opposite direction, the bus stop torn apart, the concrete pole on its side and shattered glass across the sidewalk.

Cellphone video captured how massive the response was, as first responders descended upon the busy road. They worked quickly to pull the victims from the car.

“The deputies and paramedics immediately attempted to provide any type of lifesaving medical treatment that they could,” said Codd.

The cellphone video shows one of the victims being removed from the car and put on a stretcher.

“That sound that I heard, I didn’t think that someone would have survived that, to be honest,” said a witness.

“Three individuals inside the white car that hit the light pole and bus stop were transported to [Broward Health North]. Sadly, all three were pronounced deceased,” said Codd.

“My heart goes out to the families, you know, who’ve lost lives,” said a witness.

“We have teenage boys, and for us, this is just so painful,” said Jessica.

“It makes me feel sad and angry at the same time, because why?” said another witness.

“To have three young people die in a crash like this, it absolutely breaks your heart,” said Codd.

Investigators said it appears as though the individuals who were in the other car involved were not injured.

Deputies shut down a portion of North Federal Highway for hours, as they combed the scene well into the night.

“They are taking witness statements, gathering evidence, looking for video that will help them try and understand what led up to this tragedy,” said Codd.

Tuesday morning, the sound of saws filled the air as crews removed debris at the scene.

Authorities have not released the victims’ identities or an official cause, as they continue their investigation into the crash.

According to investigators, the deputy involved received an alert about a vehicle theft in Northwest Miami-Dade, just before 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Some time later, authorities said, the deputy located the vehicle and tried to pull over the motorist at the intersection of Northwest 95th Street and 17th Avenue.

Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz discussed the incident at a news conference held Monday morning.

“[The deputy] initiated the traffic stop, and I know that that’s what preempted the entire situation,” she said.

As the deputy approached the vehicle, detectives said, an argument broke out, forcing the deputy to shoot out the car.

The driver fled the scene, investigators said, The vehicle was found nearby with a gun inside shortly after, but the subject was nowhere to be found.

Back at the scene of the traffic stop, just steps from Miami Central Senior High School, 7News cameras captured a heavy law enforcement presence, with part of the roadway closed off while crime scene investigators combed the scene for clues.

The deputy involved was not hurt as a result of this altercation. It’s unclear whether or not the subject was injured.

“At this time, it’s still a pretty ongoing investigation. The subject is at large,” said Cordero-Stutz.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the investigation into this deputy-involved shooting.

If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

According to Lauderhill Police, the gunfire occurred in the area of Northwest 22nd Street and 56th Avenue, at around 10 p.m. on Thursday.

Security footage shared with 7News shows a group of people arguing in the parking lot of the Sunny Lake apartment complex.

Neighbors said that the people were from two different apartments and had been fighting for most of the day over loud music and parking spots. They said the arguing had been going on for more than a day, but things escalated quickly on Christmas night.

In a separate video shared with 7News, that is too graphic to air, a woman in an orange dress is seen waving around a gun and within seconds a man shoots her, she falls to the ground, and screams follow.

When officers arrived at the apartment complex, investigators said, they found the victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound outside of a home. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Service requested for someone suffering a gunshot wound to the head. Caller is a passerby,” can be heard over the police scanner detailing the scenario.

Detectives said they have accounted for everyone involved and believe this is an isolated incident.

Neighbors said the victim, identified as 36-year-old Octavia Stewart, had lived at the apartment complex for a few years with her daughter and that the gunman was a guest of one of the apartments. The identity of the woman or if anyone will face charges has yet to be confirmed.

Officials still ask that if anyone has any information that could help with their investigation to call Lauderhill Police Department at 954-497-4700 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

Officials say Frontier Airlines flight 2802 was enroute to San Juan, Puerto Rico when it was forced to head west over Abaco in the Bahamas to make an emergency landing in Miami.

The Airbus A320 managed to land safely and was taken to Gate F18, where it was met by multiple fire trucks.

Officials have not determined the exact cause for the emergency landing but Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said they believe the aircraft experienced a fuel leak from the central tank as it flew over the Atlantic.

Crews were seen inspecting the aircraft after passengers were able to safely disembark.

The flight, which was originally heading directly to San Juan, has since been able to take off from MIA shortly before 8:30 p.m. and is expected to land in Puerto Rico around midnight, Thursday.

The emergency landing did not impact airport operations.

The exact cause of the emergency landing is under investigation.

For more than two decades, the Benevolent Association Christmas Express, hosted by the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, has been delivering gifts to families and children who may otherwise not receive any during the holiday season.

At Fire Station 63 on Thursday morning, volunteers and first responders told 7News that there were three U-Haul truck full of toys and that more were on the way.

Every year, these first responders and community volunteers take time out of their own Christmas, away from their families, to give back and put a smile on the faces of so many.

They loaded up a few trucks and traveled to several neighborhoods around Pompano Beach, all with the goal of spreading joy and being there for the community when they need it most.

Kori Christmas and Kathy Oliva are among the event’s organizers.

“Something that looks like a simple toy to us means so much to that family,” Oliva told 7News at a previous gift giveaway. “And where I find my joy is in the faces of the moms, the dads and the grandparents who have tears pouring down their faces because we’re able to help supplement them for Christmas, to be able to put the smiles on those kids’ faces.”

Christmas, who works for the Pompano Beach Fire Rescue, said the event has expanded over the years.

“It was originally ran with a teacher, actually handing out teddy bears out of the back of her truck, and the local police department and fire department heard about it and has taken it over since,” she told 7News at this year’s giveaway. “We used to be in small little U-hauls with boys and girls on one truck, and now we’ve built it over to three [trucks], with an overflow truck, which is amazing. We’re so thankful to be able to do this and, you know, support the community. As a firefighter, I serve the community working, but now also on my off time, and it’s just like an amazing thing to be able to do.”

Oliva, meanwhile, detailed plans for this year’s event.

“It’s going to be an amazing day. We have nine stops today, and we’re going to go all through the community. We go led by the fire truck, the ambulance and then the three toy trucks, followed by the sprinter with the bikes, and then we actually have one other truck with big things in it, too,” she said. “At each stop we pull up, and it’s amazing. It’s amazing to see the kids in the line. It’s amazing to see their smiles. It’s amazing to see their mothers, their grandmothers, their parents just so blessed with sometimes tears pouring down their eyes. And it’s neat to see how one toy puts a smile on a child’s face, and it warms my heart to do it.”

The volunteers and first responders drove the trucks full of toys to nine different locations around Pompano Beach. Hundreds of children lined up at each stop.

D. Hicks brought her nephew for the gifts.

“Just to see him excited to get up out the bed and to come over here, it means everything to see him happy,” Hicks said.

Her nephew got a Nerf gun.

Oliva explained how the event is not just for the community, but supported by the community.

“Kori and I get started quite early in the year. Actually, I’ll be shopping starting next month again, but we are so so blessed by businesses that are around here in Pompano, and some not in Pompano,” she said. “People that just start seeing what we’re doing and start sending us the either toys or donations, and we shop, and we shop, and we shop to fill up these trucks. It takes a lot, and we are so, so blessed by all of our vendors that come out and support us.”

The toy deliveries started at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers spent about half an hour at each stop.

Jennifer, one of the volunteers, told 7News that this is not the first time she and her daughter have participated in the event.

“I have an 18-year-old daughter, and we were invited to be a part of this three years ago, and it’s just such an honor to be able to see her, be able to give back, and just show love and community. So we really love doing this,” she said.

Another volunteer said that he and his mother have been helping with this event for almost as long as it’s been around.

“Yeah, it’s a beautiful thing. Me and my mom, we’ve been doing this for 20 years now,” he said. “It’s just – we want to just bring happiness and joy and just show that the community that we can just all get together and just spread joy for all the kids. It’s just – it’s so beautiful, absolutely.”

Later in the morning, Oliva caught 7News up with how the event was going now that it was fully underway.

“Now that the word is getting out, we’re getting longer lines and everything like that. Our toys, our trucks are still very, very full. We still have an overflow truck. We’re just expecting all the same,” she said. “We’re expecting more kids, more smiles, more happy faces and sometimes some joyous tears, and we are fully blessed to be able to do this.”

One mother, Brittany Pullam, brought her daughter to the gift giveaway.

“It’s very sentimental,” she said. “You have some families who’s not able. So, it’s tough times. Times are tough right now, and these guys come every year and we appreciate everything they do.”

Pullam’s daughter walked away with a Barbie doll.

Christmas said things were going well as the volunteers worked on their third gift-giving stop.

“It’s going really great, actually. We’ve already gone over a couple hundred kids now, and it’s only the third stop,” she said. “So we’ve got a couple more to go, and I’m hoping that there’s more and more kids, a lot of smiles on faces and a lot of people happy to see Santa Claus.”

Christmas said this event is not only important to the community, but for her as well.

“I mean, it’s a big deal, honestly, to me. You know, I spend most of my holiday season doing this and planning and stressing out, and then being able to be here on Christmas Day and actually seeing the smiles on people’s faces and just the appreciation by the community is just like such a good feeling,” Corey said.

Christmas said that the event has been going on for over 25 years, and she hopes it can continue for many years to come. She said, “I just hope to spread joy and happiness and just, you know, that we’re a community and that community helps community.”

Organizers told 7News that as soon as they handed out the last toy, they would immediately start planning for next year.

Earlier this month, a video showing the woman being detained by ICE agents made national headlines.

The newly released footage shows the scene from the perspective of a deputy with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office who was there for the traffic stop and asked the woman to cooperate.

“All I’m saying is, if you don’t cooperate with these gentlemen, OK, it’s going to get to something that you don’t want to get there,” the deputy said to the woman while she sat in the car with the window slightly down.

In the video, obtained by The Miami Herald, the woman can be heard saying it’s not the first time she’s been pulled over in the car that belongs to her boyfriend, who was in the U.S. illegally and had already been detained by ICE. She said she had been using his car to get to and from her job as a behavioral therapist.

“I’m scared. I don’t want to have to go through this anymore,” the woman is heard saying in the bodycam footage.

She also said, “You guys stop me every time. It’s not the first time.”

“So, if you can get her to ID, if not, we’re going to drag her out of the car,” a masked officer told the deputy.

It all happened on U.S. 1 in Key Largo back on Dec. 3.

In the video, the woman maintains she is a U.S. citizen on her way to work, though she refuses to show her ID. At one point, an agent is heard threatening to break her windows. What happened next would gain international attention.

In cellphone video captured by The Miami Herald, the woman can be seen in her scrubs being pulled from her vehicle as she screams for help

“I’m a U.S. citizen, please help me. This is unfair, why are you doing this to me?” she cried while being cuffed and then placed in the back of an SUV, only to be released when the agents confirmed she was, in fact, a U.S. citizen.

Following that detainment, the woman released a statement that reads in part:

“From the very beginning of the encounter, there was clear intimidation. To clarify, I did roll down my window the moment they pulled me over, and any claim saying that I refused to do so is completely false.”

Her detainment later sparked a small protest in front of the Islamorada Public Library Branch against what protestors described as aggressive immigration enforcement that’s sweeping the country.

The Department of Homeland Security later told 7News that the woman was detained because she was driving her illegal alien boyfriend’s car at the time of that video. They told 7News that once they were able to confirm her identity, she was immediately released.

Miami Gardens Police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the triple shooting in the area of Northwest 175th Street and 19th Avenue, just south of Hard Rock Stadium and right next to Parkview Elementary School, just before 12:45 a.m. on Tuesday.

According to investigators, the party was taking place at a short-term rental, with about 30 people inside, including juveniles.

“The juveniles were attending a house party at [a short-term rental] house when three ski-masked men entered the home and started shooting,” said Miami Gardens Police spokesperson Diana Delgado.

Surveillance video shows the moment shots rang out and partygoers started running for safety. Fire rescue units arrived a short time later.

Responding officers arrived at the home to find the three victims suffering from gunshot wounds, but the three masked men were nowhere to be found.

Paramedics airlifted two victims to a local hospital and transported the third patient by ground.

“Two of the victims were pronounced deceased at the hospital. One of those victims was the juvenile,” said Delgado.

The surviving man’s condition is critical but stable.

Back at the scene, officers briefly shut down Northwest 175th Street between 19th and 20th avenues as they investigated. 7News cameras captured officers going in and out of the residence where the shooting took place.

A woman who lives next door told 7News that she heard the party, and it sounded like a younger crowd. She added that she never heard any fights.

“Scary, scary, right next door to me. This is a quiet neighborhood, and it’s scary,” said the neighbor, who asked not to be identified or show her face on camera.

The owners of the home said they had been living there for a long time and had only recently begun renting it out. They said a woman rented the property through Booking.com on Sunday, and shortly before the party, she unplugged the security cameras.

Later on Tuesday, a mobile flyer was on display asking for answers.

Detectives said there is no threat to the community, despite the three subjects remaining at large. They have not specified what led to the gunfire or the victims’ ages.

If you have any information on this shooting or the subjects’ whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

7News cameras captured Sugar4Kids founder Mary Faison said as she knocked on the door of a home in Southwest Miami-Dade, Monday morning.

“We’re here to deliver toys. Go tell them to come to the door,” Faison told the woman who answered the door.

The community effort aimed to make sure to make sure no child in Miami-Dade county goes without joy this holiday season.

“Next stop, we’re going to Cutler Bay,” said Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Officer Ruben Ruiz.

Representatives from several organizations stopped at dozens of homes with bags full of toys.

“The kids are excited. They’re happy, they’re surprised; more importantly, they’re very surprised,” said Faison.

The efforts, coordinated by the nonprofit Sugar4Kids, were the end result of the community coming together to right a wrong.

Just last week, Faison said, someone stole thousands of dollars in toys from a U-Haul belonging to her nonprofit.

“When we went to the third truck, this lock was cut, it was cut, and the back was raised,” she said.

The theft hindered Faison’s ability to give back.

“I don’t understand it,” she said.

When the story of the theft aired on 7News, it caught the eyes of many, including the Miami-Dade Public Schools Police Department.

“And we said, ‘You know what? We need to do something,'” said Ruiz. “There’s no way I can sit at home during the holidays knowing that there’s kids that missed out on Christmas.”

Ruiz and fellow officer Miguel Hart stepped in to help on their days off, Monday morning, along with other local groups like Saving Grace International and Saving Generations.

“Our goal is actually to help them, uplift them, and make sure that they know they’re not alone,” said Kimberly Bregart with Saving Grace International.

Local businesses like BOXR Gym also lent a helping hand and donated a truck full of toys.

“We’ve got the Avengers; we’ve got a bunch of it, actually, it’s pretty crazy. There’s some girls’ toys; there’s a mix,” said BOXR Gym CEO Matthew Attalla.

Together they spent hours going door to door…

The toys not only left smiles on the children’s faces, but mainly their parents.

“It means a lot, ’cause I don’t have anything,” said parent Briana King. “I am a single mother with three girls, so I don’t really have much help.”

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office didn’t immediately respond to 7News’ request for comment as to where their investigation into the theft of the toys stands.

For more information on the Sugar4Kids Foundation and their efforts to help this holiday season, click here.

The driver of the tow truck, Sergio Suarez, was seen quickly lifting the car that was parked and towing it away, Sunday, apparently without checking whether there was anyone inside.

Sunrise Police detectives said the car was parked in front of the Bistro Creole Restaurant on West Oakland Park Boulevard.

Suarez posted bond on Monday after being charged with child neglect without great bodily harm.

“This is one that stuck out to me this morning. He towed a vehicle, allegedly, without checking whether or not there was anybody in the vehicle,” Broward Circuit Court Judge Corey Friedman said.

A court document states the driver and father of the young girl parked the car for and went inside the restautant for about two minutes. When he noticed his car was about to be towed, he ran outside to alert Suarez that his daughter was inside.

The surveillance video showed the very moment the white tow truck sped away with the dark colored sedan.

Within seconds, the young girl’s father tried to stop the driver, as he frantically chased the truck out of the camera’s frame.

Cellphone video from a witness shows another angle of the father chasing after the truck.

“Oh, his kid’s in there,” the witness is heard shouting.

A woman who did not want to be identified told 7News she saw it all happen.

“The [tow truck] driver is speeding, and the dad is behind, screaming, ‘My daughter is in the car, my daughter is in the car, my daughter is inside,’ and he didn’t stop,” she said.

The court document states the child in the vehicle then jumped out of the vehicle in the middle of the road.

The father told police he saw his daughter fall out of the vehicle and that he “immediately ran into traffic, picked up his daughter from the middle of West Oakland Park Boulevard, moved her to safety,” the court document states.

Suarez, 34, works for Always Towing in Pembroke Park.

Another driver who spoke with 7News said she found herself in a similar situation at the same restaurant.

“So many people have experienced the same thing out there; they have a huge problem with it,” she said. “And I ran out and said, ‘Hey, I’m right here,’ you know, so they just do a partial hookup to get it far away from you, and you’re pretty much running down the street.”

The driver said she was pregnant at the time this happened to her.

“At this point, I was seven months pregnant, right, and that did not stop him from taking the car,” she said.

After seeing footage of Sunday’s incident, she went on to say she was saddened to see how it unfolded.

“It was really sad. I mean, I’m surprised because they’re very ruthless out there. They don’t care if there’s a child out there, if you’re seven months pregnant, they’ll take your car,” she said.

Officer-worn bodycam video shows the moment a police officer returned the keys of the towed vehicle to the father and informed him Suarez had been taken into custody.

“The guy got arrested. Those are your car keys, I parked your car in a spot,” the officer said.

The father told officers his daughter would recover from the ordeal.

Meanwhile, witnesses hope something like this doesn’t happen again.

“They got to hold him accountable, that’s all; because with human beings, when we’re dealing with people, especially a little girl, the situation could’ve been worse, and I think we have to hold them accountable,” a witness said.

In court Monday, Suarez’s attorney defended his actions.

“He advised me he checked the vehicle three times before he towed it. There was no child inside. He also had a partner, whom he called the spotter. He had the spotter also look at the vehicle, and that’s why he said he doesn’t know how this came about,” the attorney said.

The judge pushed back on the assertion.

“He admitted that he didn’t look at the vehicle, and I think it’s also on surveillance,” said Friedman.

Monday night, Suarez was tight-lipped as he bonded out of jail. Friedman ordered him to avoid contact with the victim and refrain from driving until further notice.

As for the little girl, police said she suffered minor injuries to both arms and her right calf.

7News contacted the tow company multiple times to learn more about their side of the story, but they did not wish to comment.

Sunrise Police told 7News that they can’t provide information on whether the father will be facing any charges for leaving his daughter unattended, as it remains an active investigation.

7News cameras captured Sergio Suarez walking out of the Broward County jail still wearing his towing uniform and not saying a word to the cameras about the charge against him.

Hours before he bonded out, Suarez made his first court appearance about what witnesses say was a terrifying tow that took another turn.

“This is one that stuck out to me this morning. He towed a vehicle, allegedly, without checking whether or not there was anyone in the vehicle,” said Broward judge Corey Friedman.

According to police, Suarez is accused of towing a car with a child inside on Sunday.

Detectives say the car was parked in front of the Bistro Creole restaurant in Sunrise.

A court document says the driver and father of the young girl parked the car for roughly two minutes and went inside. When he noticed his car was about to be towed, he ran outside to alert Suarez that his daughter was inside.

“He ran to the driver’s side window, banged on the window, and yelled multiple times that his daughter was inside the vehicle,” read the report.

The father then told responding officers that Suarez sped away, despite his continued yells to stop, leaving the parking lot with his young daughter in the car.

The report goes on to say the father chased the tow truck to the main road, yelling the entire time. Seconds later, he saw his daughter fall out of the car and onto the road.

That’s when the document says he “…immediately ran into traffic, picked up his daughter from the middle of West Oakland Park Boulevard and moved her to safety.”

Police said Suarez kept driving away, despite the girl falling out of the car and her father’s race to rescue her.

According to Sunrise Fire Rescue, the young girl suffered minor injuries to both of her arms and her right calf and was taken to Broward Health Medical Center for further evaluation.

Authorities called All-Ways Towing & Storage in Pembroke Park to have Suarez return to the area.

When Suarez returned, police say he tried to drop off the car away from them quickly and tried to flee.

But he wasn’t able to get far, as he was swiftly arrested and charged with child neglect without great bodily harm.

In bond court, Suarez’s defense attorney argued that this is not the whole story.

“He advised me he checked the vehicle three times before he towed it. There was no child inside. He also had a partner, whom he called the spotter. He had the spotter also look at the vehicle, and that’s why he said he doesn’t know how this came about,” said the attorney.

Suarez was told to avoid contact with the victim and refrain from driving until further notice.

7News reached out to the tow trucking company, but the person who answered the phone hung up.

Local law enforcement agencies, including Miami Beach Police, said they are ramping up their presence at synagogues and places of worship out of an abundance of caution, so that the Jewish community and others alike feel safe.

The measures happen as Jewish communities across South Florida stood strong in their faith in the aftermath of the massacre at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 15 people dead on the first night of Hanukkah.

“We stand united. You did not die in vain. Your flame will continue to burn through our menorah,” said a speaker at a local Hanukkah celebration.

Sunday’s Hanukkah celebrations continued as planned in both Cooper City and Fort Lauderdale, with moments of reflection and prayer for those impacted by the antisemitic terrorist attack.

“As we try to celebrate in happiness the beginning of this festival, let us not forget those who are suffering tonight with their families, their friends at a time when they, too, should be celebrating,” said Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.

The Jewish community came out in droves. Their message was one of strength and pride.

“We cannot let us deter us from who we are,” said a a rabbi at the Fort Lauderdale celebration.

“It’s more important than ever that Jews be more Jewish than ever,” said an attendee at the Fort Lauderdale celebration.

“It’s a tragic, terrible thing, and we just have to go on, and we have to celebrate anyway,” said another attendee.

Further south in Miami Beach, city leaders also condemned the violence.

“I’m horrified. I’m devastated. It brought tears to my eyes. It’s out of control, the antisemitism,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

Meiner said that he was not surprised, however.

“Unfortunately it’s all too predictable, the rhetoric, the antisemitism, the anti-Israel, the propaganda, the lies that are being said so casually. It’s just that you know it’s going to lead to this and this is why we have to counter the lies and the propaganda when we see it. They impact us here in Miami Beach,” said Meiner.

Officials in Miami Beach, like in many other municipalities, said they are ramping up security at synagogues and sacred places.

“We’ve definitely – we’ve implemented our high-risk protocols. We’re going to have extra police visibility around synagogues, Jewish neighborhoods, Hanukkah events that are scheduled. We’re going on,” said Meiner.

As the Hanukkah celebrations continue in South Florida, local community leaders reiterated their conviction that good will prevail over evil.

“We hope and pray that Jews all over the world, and the whole world together, comes together and does not allow terrorism to scare us or stop us, but on the contrary, we take the message of light over darkness,” said Rabbi Yossi Harlig from the Chabad of Kendall and Pinecrest.

Other religious leaders shared their thoughts on the situation as well.

“To make up for that kind of darkness that they tried to make for us, we need to make sure that we overcome it with extra light wherever we are,” said Rabbi Meyer Haber from Young Israel of Sunny Isles. “Our connection to God no matter who you are, is a connection of love. Hate has no place.”

“Now, we are even stronger and with more intention as we are going to light the Hannukiah,” said Rabbi Liora Ramati of Temple Emanu-El. “Yes, bad things happen every day, but we choose to see the good, even in darkness.”

“The terrorists that did what they did in Sydney were hoping that Jews would hide under their bed, we’re not gonna do that, we’re gonna show that we’re proud of being a Jew, we’re not gonna be scared,” said Rabbi Zev Katz, from the Chabad of Miami Beach.

People honored those who were killed and hurt overseas during what was supposed to be a time of prayer and love.

“As soon as you light a candle, the darkness goes away,” said a speaker at a local Hanukkah celebration.

“Just a small bit of light, can shine up a whole world of darkness.” said another speaker.

A gathering took place in Miami Beach to promote solidarity between those in the Jewish community Monday evening, on the second night of Hannukah.

While Miami Beach Police said there are no known local threats, they and many other police departments across South Florida are reminding residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.

According to investigators, it all began with a theft incident at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood, early Thursday morning. It ended hours later with both the deputy and the subject in the hospital.

Seminole Police officials said the subject grabbed cash out of the hand of a patron. No one was hurt at the casino.

Deputies were called to assist in the arrest of the man, who, investigators said, led them on a roughly 17-mile pursuit.

During their search, BSO’s Aviation Unit and Burglary Apprehension Team traveled through the North Lauderdale district. North Lauderdale and Margate Police units were also involved in the operation.

Authorities said they ended up along the 6100 block of Northwest Second Street in Margate, and that’s when things took a violent turn. At around 2:30 p.m., deputies said, the man they were looking for opened fire on the deputies, prompting multiple deputies to return fire.

“A deputy-involved shooting did occur,” said BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman. “The suspect was armed in the car and fired a shot at the deputy.”

Surveillance video from a camera recorded the gunshots.

“One of our deputies was shot by the suspect. Fortunately, he was protected by his bulletproof vest, and he did not sustain life-threatening injuries,” said Grossman.

Another surveillance camera captured SWAT units surrounding a black car.

7Skyforce hovered above the scene, where a SWAT vehicle was seen next to the black car, which was riddled with bullets. A white unmarked police pickup truck with a bullet hole in the windshield was parked right behind the black vehicle, and a pool of blood was seen on the ground next to the black vehicle.

Video shared with 7News appears to show the subject on a gurney being loaded into the back of an ambulance following the incident.

Paramedics transported both the deputy and the subject to Broward Health North. The deputy is expected to be OK.

Residents who live in the neighborhood, some of whom coudn’t go inside their homes, told 7News they heard the gunfire.

Marcha Mohamed said she hid in her home as it all unfolded.

“And also, I heard like ‘pop pop’ noises, and I thought it was fireworks at first. I’m like, ‘Fireworks in the day?'” she said.

“I heard the shots. I heard one shot, and then about 20 shots,” said Tom.

Another resident said she was shocked to learn what had happened.

“Upon my arrival, to see just the inundation of police officers and undercovers and the SWAT team, I’ve never seen this in my neighborhood, and I’ve been living here since 2000,” she said.

7News cameras captured bullet holes in nearby homes.

“We were in shock, ’cause this is a quiet neighborhood. Nothing like that [has] really happened,” said Constance Dennis, who lives on the same block where the shooting took place.

BSO said their deputies’ gear and training did precisely what it was supposed to do, especially after recent tragedies involving other South Florida law enforcement agencies that resulted in the loss of a brother in blue.

“To know that this deputy puts his life in danger every single day, like all of our deputies do, and that he can go home to his family tonight,” said Grossman.

Thursday night, deputies remained at the scene collecting evidence as they pieced together what led up to the shooting.

As of early Friday afternoon, detectives have not disclosed the subject’s identity or condition.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating this deputy-involved shooting.

The now former Miami-Dade County commissioner also became the city’s first Democratic mayor in nearly three decades.

During Wednesday morning’s news conference, Higgins spoke about her plans and priorities for the city’s future, saying she will be a mayor for everyone, regardless of political party.

“It was a very exciting day yesterday in the city of Miami. I am so honored that our incredibly beautiful, diverse community selected me to take on this task in the coming years,” she said. “I promise to go to work every day and make sure that this city does deliver on the promise of the Magic City.”

Higgins earned the seat after defeating Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, whom President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backed.

She believes the election’s outcome sends a message.

“The residents decided to embark upon a different direction,” she said.

Higgins’ campaign priorities were affordability, climate change, and modernizing the city.

“The city has to get to work, become more efficient, be more modern in how it embraces technology. The affordability crisis, we are the tip of the spear in America. We’ve got to build more affordable housing,” she said.

The mayor-elect was asked about immigration and the future of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Miami.

“There’s no reason in the City of Miami that our police department should be in the job of federal immigration enforcement,” said Higgins. “When I speak to our residents, it’s not just about frustration, it’s also about fear. They’ve never been afraid of their government before, and now they are.”

She added that residents tell her they are worried that their family members may be detained.

“We want a strong border, a path to citizenship, but we don’t want law-abiding people to be ejected from our country, impoverishing their families and driving our economy into ruin,” said Higgins. “We are and have always been an immigrant city. I will speak respectfully about them, their families and more importantly about their contribution to our thriving economy.”

While the mayor’s position is officially nonpartisan, the race drew national attention, as the Democratic and Republican parties watched for clues ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Higgins’ opponent, Emilio Gonzalez, conceded the race. He admitted the outcome was not what he wanted, but encouraged voters to support the incoming mayor.

“Obviously, I don’t like the result,” he said. “I think we all owe her our respect, and we owe her our loyalty. She is our mayor, and we need to all do everything we can to make sure that she succeeds, because if she succeeds, our city will succeed.”

7News political analyst Brian Fonseca said Higgins’ win is a major victory for the local Democratic Party.

“It’s important to note that the Democrats did show up, but you’re talking about a turnout of about 20-plus percent, so it’s still relatively low given these are out of cycle elections. Still, it’s unprecedented in the last 30 years to have a Democrat win the election,” he said.

He added voters based their vote on real issues affecting the Magic City.

“Two of the things that have probably been most meaningful in terms of moving the Miami-Dade voter to the Democratic side in this recent election was cost of living and maybe immigration policy,” said Fonseca.

Higgins will begin her term as mayor later this month.

Jose Miguel Perez-Molina appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer, late Wednesday morning.

“You were arrested for lewd and lascivious conduct on a child,” said Glazer.

The 39-year-old was charged with lewd and lascivious conduct on a child younger than 16, according to an arrest report from Sunny Isles Beach Police.

Investigators said the teen requested an Uber on Sunday afternoon from a salon in Aventura to a friend’s home in Sunny Isles Beach. She was picked up by a driver identified in the app as “Jose,” matching Perez-Molina and his Toyota Corolla, the report states.

According to the report, during the ride, Perez-Molina repeatedly asked the victim if she had a boyfriend, called her “pretty,” and questioned her age. When she told him she was 15, he replied that it was “a problem” because he was 39, the report said.

Police said Perez-Molina stopped in a plaza on Collins Avenue while the teen was trying to get the correct address.

While parked, he allegedly turned around, touched her knee, caressed her face and touched a scab on her arm, telling her he could “take care of” her. The teen told detectives the touching was unwanted.

According to the report, Perez-Molina also suggested they park somewhere so he could “teach [her] how to kiss.” The girl said she repeatedly told him she was only 15 and declined.

Fearing the situation would escalate, the victim recorded part of the interaction on her phone. Police said the audio captured Perez-Molina making comments about kissing her and waiting for her despite her age.

According to the report, the teen ran from the vehicle in tears once she arrived at her destination and immediately told a friend and her parents, who contacted police.

Sunny Isles Beach Police officers later showed the victim a photo lineup, and she identified the suspect “without hesitation,” according to the report.

License plate reader hits also placed Perez-Molina’s vehicle in the area at the time of the incident.

Uber released a statement that reads in part:

“What this rider experienced is deeply disturbing… We take reports like this very seriously. We removed the driver’s access to the app as soon as this was reported…”

Perez-Molina was arrested and transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade.

In court Wednesday, Glazer issued a stay-away order to the suspect and she ordered him to refrain from contacting the victim.

“You must stay at least 500 feet away from the victim, her home and school at all times,” she said.

Perez-Molina was given a $7,500 bond. He remains behind bars on an immigration hold.

After fielding several phone calls from neighbors on edge, police said they had no other choice but to kill the coyote on Friday night after attempts by wildlife authorities to contain and relocate the animal did not work.

A statement released by the police department on Monday reads in part:

“After assessing the environment and ensuring a safe backdrop, the responding officer discharged his duty weapon and killed the coyote.”

7News asked several residents to weigh in on the police department’s decision.

Area resident Michelle Diehl is breathing a sigh of relief.

“I’m glad the police did what they had to do, and they’re keeping our community safe,” she said.

But others think the animal should have been spared.

“That’s so wrong. I mean, they should move him to another place instead of kill him,” said another area resident.

This all comes after the coyote had been spotted several times late last week lurking in yards near the 100 block of Shadow Way.

Yolanda Sauer said she first saw the predator in her yard just as she was taking out her Chihuahua, Friday morning.

“He jumped the fence into this neighbor’s house, then he jumped from there to – I guess to the back,” she said.

Sauer’s son, Charles, lives next door, and he said the family was not just concerned for their safety but their pets’ well-being as well.

“We have African sulcata tortoises. He just went up to it and just was, like, sniffing it, and the tortoise didn’t seem fazed by it,” said Charles.

Surveillance footage captured the moment when the coyote sizing up one of Charles’ tortoises. The four-legged intruder stared down the reptiles before turning around and leaving.

While residents were nervous about the potential danger that the coyote presented, they were hoping it could be relocated safely.

“I don’t want to see it hurt, but I don’t want to see a child hurt, either,” said Sauer.

The police department’s statement reads in part:

“This outcome is never what we prefer, but the decision was made after thorough evaluation with the sole intent of protecting the residents of Miami Springs.”

Police said they explored other options, but this was ultimately the safest way to handle the situation.

7News has reached out to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to confirm if the Miami Springs Police Department attempted to reach out to them for assistance with the coyote.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office detectives said 44-year-old Ulises Cabrera Gonzalez and 42-year-old Susana Rosales Koris were found suffering from gunshot wounds inside a residence near Southwest 170th Terrace and 153rd Court in The Hammocks, Saturday afternoon.

MDSO spokesperson Samantha A. Choon said the call initially came in for a man bleeding.

“Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived and pronounced the adult male and the adult female deceased on scene,” she said.

The disturbing discovery left neighbors in shock.

“It’s such a tragedy,” said neighbor Louie Musngi.

“I’m sad because they had two kids,” said another area resident.

Police said there were other people inside the home at the time of the incident, but have not specified who.

Musngi, who has lived in The Hammocks for 14 years, said Cabrera Gonzalez and Rosales Koris were a couple.

“They moved here, like, maybe about four years ago. Excellent family. They were, like, doting parents; you could see them with their kids, and I never saw this coming,” he said.

On Monday afternoon, deputies said the preliminary investigation revealed it was an isolated incident and ruled it was a murder-suicide.

But over the weekend, the quiet street was full of detectives as they tried to piece together what happened.

Speaking with 7News in Spanish, Elaina Gonzalez said area residents are worried, adding that this neighborhood is usually quiet and safe.

Early Monday morning, a 7News crew spotted a candle lit outside the home in the couple’s memory. Hours later, grieving loved ones were seen embracing outside the residence.

Court documents filed Thursday by the father of Anna Kepner, the Titusville high school senior who was found dead on a Carnival Horizon cruise ship, further reveal that the victim was discovered asphyxiated under the bed in the room she shared with her younger stepbrother.

The custody battle pits Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel, against her ex-husband, Christopher Kepner. The former couple share several children, including the 16-year-old boy who, family members said, is a suspect in his stepsister’s death.

Friday morning’s hearing in Brevard County is set to address whether the children they share should be removed from Shauntel’s care.

In an interview with ABC News, Anna’s grandmother, Barbara Kepner, described how she felt when she learned of her granddaughter’s death during their voyage aboard the Carnival Horizon, which sailed from PortMiami.

“I screamed. I just couldn’t stop screaming,” said Barbara.

The grieving grandparent shared the last time she saw Anna on the family cruise trip.

“We were playing in the casino. She didn’t win anything. She said, ‘Meemaw, I love you guys. I’ll see you later.’ And we never saw her again after that,” she said.

Barbara also shared her thoughts on the 16-year-old stepbrother who shared the room with Anna.

“He was the only one seen coming and going, so I can’t accuse him, because I don’t know what happened in that room, but the summation would be that he did something,” she said.

In the custody dispute, unrelated to Anna’s death, her father argues Shauntel took her on that cruise without his permission last month.

Shauntel said she cannot testify in the case because her own son is a suspect in his stepsister’s death.

Barbara said she sat in for part of the 16-year-old’s interview with the FBI.

“He was an emotional mess,” she said. “He couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t believe what had happened.”

Barbara said Anna and her stepbrother were close.

“He was a good student. He played soccer. Very quiet young man. He had demons, I think, in his past, and he was trying to deal with those,” she said.

Anna’s loved ones said they are hoping for answers and justice for the victim, who was nicknamed “Anna Banana” and described as fun, outgoing and full of love.

“I hope that we can heal,” said Barbara. “Whatever happened in that room, the only person responsible is the person that was in the room with Anna.”

Anna’s father is ordered to appear in court at 9 a.m. on Friday. However, according to court documents, he did not answer his door when he was served a subpoena.

Speaking with 7News on Wednesday, Eury Cerda said he was nearly killed on the night of Oct. 31.

“It’s a miracle to be alive,” he said.

The survivor said the night began when he took his 6-year-old daughter trick-or-treating.

“We were matching costumes as Harry Potter this year,” he said.

But what looked to be a fun night of collecting candy quickly turned into a terrifying fight for survival.

As Cerda and his daughter traveled near the area Northwest 87th Avenue and 64th Street in Medley, he found himself in a road rage confrontation.

“I guess this person interpreted us as cutting him off, and he becomes enraged,” he said.

Surveillance video captured Cerda exiting his car to confront the other driver in an attempt to calm him down.

“I try to tell him I have my daughter in the vehicle, and I tell him, ‘You have also kids in your car,'” said Cerda.

Despite his attempt to defuse the situation, as Cerda began to walk away, the other driver exited his vehicle with a gun in hand.

“I had my hands in the air, and I tell him, ‘Are you going to shoot me? I have my daughter in the car,'” said Cerda.

With children watching from inside both vehicles, the other driver shot Cerda in the face.

Surveillance footage showed a shocked Cerda running across the street, narrowly avoiding being hit by another car that was passing in the opposite direction.

“What are you saying to your daughter?” 7News’ Sheldon Fox asked Cerda.

“I’m telling her, ‘Relax.’ She’s crying, she’s saying, ‘Daddy, what’s going on, what’s happening?'” Cerda said.

As he bled profusely from his mouth, Cerda got back to his car and drove himself to a Doral urgent care.

“Choking, coughing up on blood, then it’s just like, I’ve never been shot before, to thinking I’m gonna die,” Cerda said.

The bullet came within centimeters of striking his spine.

Cerda was in a coma for six days after it happened.

Cellphone video provided by Cerda’s family showed him in the hospital after he awoke, unable to speak as nurses gave him a vocal valve.

“Try to say your name,” a nurse tells Cerda.

“Eury,” he responded.

His family members are heard gasping after hearing him speak for the first time since the Halloween night shooting.

“Doctors told me it was a miracle,” said Cerda.

Despite his miraculous survival, he still has a long way to fully recover.

Cerda currently lives with tubes in his body, having lost nearly 20 pounds since the shooting, and undergoing continued therapy. His daughter has also been going to therapy after experiencing the traumatic event.

Many of the simple things he did for his daughter he still can’t do yet.

“Take her to school, make her breakfast, comb her hair, do the everyday important things as a father, to make sure she feels all the love,” said Cerda.

Authorities identified the man responsible for the shooting as 54-year-old Emilio Rodriguez, a Miami-Dade Fire Rescue civilian employee.

Rodriguez was charged with attempted murder with a firearm.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Cerda with medical expenses. If you would like to make a donation, click here.

A jury reconvened Wednesday in the death penalty trial of now 22-year-old Jason Banegas, who killed Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino back in 2021.

Banegas sat stone-faced in the courtroom as he awaits the jury’s decision. Jurors are now tasked with deciding whether he’ll serve life in prison or be sentenced to death.

In court Wednesday, jurors listened to testimony from the case detective and the medical examiner as well as observed evidence that included autopsy photos, as they prepare to make a decision.

“We determined the cause of death to be gunshot wound to the head and neck,” said Dr. Stephen Robinson, retired Deputy Chief Medical Examiner.

“And what was the manner of death?” said the prosecutor.

“Homicide,” said Robinson.

According to police, Chirino was shot by Banegas in an armed struggle when Chirino responded to reports of an individual checking car handles for unlocked vehicles.

“Officer Chirino was more than a uniform, more than a badge,” said Hollywood Police Chief Jeff Devlin. “He was a son, a friend and a trusted protector of this community. He was the kind of officer every chief hopes for; compassionate, dedicated beyond measure and deeply committed to the oath he swore to uphold.”

The morning’s proceedings were routine in nature, when compared to emotional testimony from two Hollywood Police officers who broke down on the stand, Tuesday.

“His death didn’t just take a friend away from me; it took away a future he deserved to live,” said Hollywood Police Officer Henry Martinez.

The officers who took the stand remembered their friend and fallen officer who was killed in the line of duty.

“I am grateful that I had the privilege to know him, to walk through life beside him,” said Martinez.

Chirino’s life was tragically cut short in October 2021 when then 18-year-old Banegas shot him to death. The defendant has since pleaded guilty.

“It took away a future he deserved to live, it took away his hopes, his plans, his moments that will never happen,” said Martinez.

Other officers raced to help when Chirino was shot in the midst of the fight that broke out when the pair made contact.

“Officers who were on scene that day relive in their minds, replaying every second, wondering if they could’ve done something, anything, to change the outcome,” said Devlin. “Some of our officers haven’t slept the same since that night. Others carry the guilt of surviving when their brother did not.”

“He was pointing at his face,” said Hollywood Police Detective Manuel Rodriguez-Blevins.

“What could you see?” said a prosecutor.

“I could tell that he’d been shot,” said Rodriguez-Blevins.

Martinez recounted his final moments with Chirino to the court.

“How did you know Officer Chirino was still alive on the drive to the hospital?” asked the prosecutor.

“He was squeezing my finger,” said Martinez.

Officer Chirino would not survive. In court Tuesday, his friends on the force told the jury he was one of a kind.

“I had the privilege of knowing one of the best human beings God has created, a man who loved his family, loved his job and lived every day fully,” said Martinez.

Only eight of the 12 jurors have to vote yes in order for Banegas to be sentenced to death.

The trial is expected to pick back up at 9 a.m., Thursday.

During Tuesday’s opening statements and subsequent testimony, officers who responded to the scene testified about the tragic shooting that killed their colleague, Officer Yandy Chirino.

“His death didn’t just take a friend away from me, it took away a future. He deserved to live.” said Hollywood Police Officer Henry Martinez while on the stand.

The testimony was part of the trial where a jury will decide whether Jason Banegas, who was 18 at the time of the 2021 fatal shooting and has pled guilty to the charges, will face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

According to officials, Banegas shot and killed Chirino during an armed struggle, after Chirino responded to reports of someone checking car handles for unlocked cars.

Officers raced to the scene to assist and saw their colleague shot. One of them shared his emotional testimony in the courtroom.

“He was pointing at his face,” said Hollywood Police Detective Manuel Rodriguez-Blevins.

“What could you see?” said a prosecutor.

“I could tell that he’d been shot,” said Rodriguez-Blevins.

Chirino was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.

In court, surveillance video was shown of the drive to the hospital.

“How did you know Officer Chirino was still alive on the drive to the hospital?” asked the prosecutor.

“He was squeezing my finger,” said Martinez.

In a tearful testimony, Martinez mourned the loss of his close friend and said he was one of a kind.

“I had the privilege of knowing one of the best human beings God has created. A man who loved his family, loved his job and lived every day fully.” said Martinez.

Court adjourned on Tuesday afternoon and is expected to resume at 9 a.m. on Wednesday.

Only eight of 12 jurors need to vote yes in order for Banegas to be sentenced to death.

Surveillance video captured the City of Miami Waste Management truck as it plowed through a fence, knocking down a tree, and clipped a boat parked at a dock near Northwest 18th Terrace, off 24th Avenue, at around noon on Monday.

“We were about to leave the marina, and we heard, like, an explosion,” said witness Maurico Flores.

The vehicle began to sink fast, as the two women tried desperately to escape.

“We were in shock, because it’s not a normal situation,” said Flores.

Good Samaritan Rafael Valdez immediately dove into the water and used all of his strength to break open the truck’s driver’s side window.

Cellphone video showed Valdez pulling each of the occupants out of the truck’s window as the vehicle slowly began to sink.

“For me, he is the hero of the day,” said Flores. “The two women are alive because of him.”

A picture taken shortly after the women were safely pulled out showed the truck completely submerged underwater, highlighting how little time there was to rescue them.

Police and witnesses said the victims were not injured in the crash, but the same could not be said for Valdez, who suffered a cut to his leg.

The good Samaritan spoke with 7News about his quick thinking.

“I feel good that I got there in time,” he said in Spanish.

Valdez showed 7News the bandage that covers the 18 stitches he received.

The crash caused widespread damage to both the marina and the boat that was struck.

“A car coming, jumped to my, go to my boat,” said Roberto Alarcon, the boat’s owner.

Alarcon said the driver lost control of the pickup and smashed into his docked charter boat before splashing down into the water, leaving the vessel with a gaping hole and lot to be cleaned up.

“Too much damage, everything,” he said.

Alarcon’s boat was used for fishing tours and leisure trips for Valentina Yacht Party. He said he will be filing an insurance claim for the damaged vessel soon.

Tuesday morning, 7News cameras captured a hole in the chain-link fence where the truck hit it.

It’s unclear what the women were doing at the marina and what caused them to crash, as Miami Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led up to the crash.

City of Miami officials said they’re currently reviewing all of their safety protocols to make sure something like this never happens again.

Police said 55-year-old Ann Evans was a guest aboard Holland America’s MS Rotterdam, which left Port Everglades on Nov. 16 and docked in Port St. Maarten on Nov. 20.

Evans disembarked around 10 a.m. for an organized island tour and stepped off the tour bus in Marigot, on the French side of the island, but never returned to the bus or the ship.

The Rotterdam returned to Port Everglades on Friday morning.

7News cameras captured passengers disembarking from the ship. Some who spoke with 7News were unaware about Evans’ disppearance.

“Oh, my God, that’s shocking, shocking,” said passenger Sarah O’Brien. “You hear these stories, but I didn’t think it would be this cruise ship. We had no idea anything was going on.”

“We were supposed to leave the Port of St. Maarten [at] like 5:30, and we didn’t leave, and we waited and waited and waited,” said passenger Renee Shepler. “We did hear we were waiting for one passenger, and finally — probably two and a half, three hours later — we finally left.”

The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) said Evans was reported missing after she failed to return to the vessel.

Officers on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have launched a joint search.

Investigators said they have reason to believe a woman matching Evans’ description checked into a hotel on the French side of the island using her passport and may have been seen nearby.

KPSM has asked the French Gendarmerie to help verify that information.

As of Friday afternoon, police have yet to make contact with Evans. They urge anyone who may have seen her to contact them.

Ceuise passengers, meanwhile, remain in shock.

“We never heard an announcement like that, and non of the crew ever mentioned it,” said passenger Cindy O’Donnell. “This is shocking; I’m very surprised.”

Evans’ disappearance comes at a time when safety on cruise ships is in the spotlight. In an unrelated case, 7News continues to follow the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a high school senior from Titusville, Florida, who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon after it left PortMiami.

Authorities have ruled Kepner’s death a homicide. Her 16-year-old stepbrother is considered a suspect.

In a statement issued Friday, a spokesperson with Holland America wrote, “We notified local authorities [about Evans’ disappearance] immediately and we are working closely with them to confirm the guest’s whereabouts.”

KPSM said Evans is encouraged to contact her family or authorities if she sees the alert.

According to Miami Gardens Police, officers were conducting a routine radar enforcement when they attempted to pull over a vehicle near Northwest 159th Street and 22nd Avenue in Miami Gardens, just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Miami Gardens Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt said the subject hit the gas, narrowly passing one officer who was forced to move out of the way and heading directly toward a second officer.

“They attempted to stop a vehicle, at which time the vehicle accelerated. The first officer was able to get out of the way; the second officer was unable to get out of the way in time as a car was speeding toward him,” she said.

Investigators said the second officer discharged his firearm in response, causing the subject to flee from the area.

Authorities found the subject’s car abandoned in the area of Northwest 151st Street and Railroad Drive a short time later.

Their investigation shut down parts of 22nd Avenue for several hours as they searched the area.

Neighbors told 7News in Spanish they heard the gunshots.

One woman said she was scared after hearing three or four shots.

“It sounded really close,” she said. “Once I came out, there was so many police officers out there.”

Officers said nobody was hurt in the incident.

In the meantime, crews have since towed the vehicle they believe belonged to the runaway driver.

No arrests have been made.

As is the case with all officer-involved shootings, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement will be investigating the circumstances that led to the incident.

If you have any information on the subject’s whereabouts, or any information that could help detectives, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Elvin Daniel Ortiz Cruz appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Monday. The 23-year-old faces multiple felony charges including promoting sexual performance by a child, electronic transmission harmful to a minor, and soliciting and luring a child to engage in sex.

Police said Ortiz Cruz worked as a driver for Ministerio Internacional Jesús El Salvador on Northwest 23rd Street, where he drove a van that gave him access to the girl when he began picking her up and dropping her off to church classes in 2024.

Investigators said the girl told them it was this year that the texts from the suspect ramped up.

Detectives said their investigation started Nov. 3, when the girl’s mother discovered the disturbing messages and reported them to authorities.

“It appears that the church employee had requested several inappropriate photos from that minor as well as requested to engage in a sexually inappropriate phone conversations with that minor,” Miami Police spokesperson Kiara Delva said.

Miami Police Department detectives from the Special Victims and Internet Crimes Against Children units for to work, gathering evidence, including an undercover operation.

According to the arrest report, an officer posed as the victim and exchanged messages with Ortiz Cruz for several days.

Investigators said he continued sending inappropriate messages and asked for photos and videos of the teen.

One message from the suspect reads, “Send me a really hot picture so I can delete the chat.”

In another exchange, the arrest report states, the girl and Ortiz Cruz talk about her age.

“When is your birthday?” Ortiz Cruz wrote in a text.

The undercover officer responded, “I’m 13 but I turn 14.”

Ortiz Cruz wrote, “I thought you were 14,” then followed that with, “My birthday is February 11. I turn 24, I was born in 2002, I’m 10 years older than you,” followed by two laughing emojis.

Detectives said they also found several inappropriate messages and pictures between the suspect and the teen.

Ortiz Cruz was arrested outside the church, late Sunday afternoon. Surveillance video captured unmarked police vehicles as they arrived and escorted the suspect away in handcuffs.

“The parent in this case actually did the correct thing. Fortunate enough, she reviewed her child’s phone and discovered these inappropriate text messages,” said Delva.

Authorities hope more parents do the same thing should they find any messages that cross the line.

“We’re encouraging parents to speak to their children, review their phone messages, phone calls, and if you suspect any type of inappropriate activity, please contact the department with this information,” said Delva.

Police said Ortiz Cruz has no prior convictions involving children but warned there could be additional victims and urged anyone with information to come forward.

The suspect remains in custody, and he does have an immigration hold. In court Tuesday, Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Cristina Miranda added a $7,500 for one of the charges he is facing, bringing his bond up to $40,000.

If he posts bond, Ortiz Cruz will be on house arrest, but because of his immigration hold and the nature of these charges, Miranda said, he could be deported.

Several U.S. government officials joined USCG officials on board the Coast Guard’s Cutter Stone on Wednesday morning to announce the major drug seizure: more than 49,000 pounds of cocaine that officials said was headed to the United States.

“Our message to the cartels is clear: We own the sea, not you,” said USCG Vice Adm. Nathan Moore. “We will find you, we will hunt you down and stop you if you wish to do this nation harm.”

Officials called the operation historic, saying this was the largest seizure by a single cutter during a single patrol in the Coast Guard’s history.

The drugs carry a street value of more than $362 million.

“Every narcotics movement we interdict saves American lives and makes our nation safer,” said USCG Rear Adm. Jeffrey Randall.

USCG officials said the offload is the result of at least 13 interceptions in the Eastern Pacific Ocean over the last few months. Three of them took place over a single night.

“We used our armed helicopter to stop the vessels. We take the presumed smugglers on board our ship as detainees, and then we confiscate the contraband,” said USGC Capt. Anne O’Connell, the Cutter Stone’s commanding officer. “Then they are turned over either to – they’ve been turned over to Ecuador or their country of origin for prosecution.”

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard applauded the crew members who pulled off the interdictions.

“This kind of investment is what has unleashed the Coast Guard to be able to deliver the kind of historic results that these men and women signed up to do,” she said.

This latest seizure comes just three months after the Coast Guard announced their largest drug bust to date, also at Port Everglades.

It comes as tensions continue to rise in the Caribbean, as the United States carries out military strikes on boats suspected of smuggling drugs.

Under President Donald Trump, the military has blown up at least 21 vessels in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean since early September, killing at least 83 people, according to the Pentagon. The most recent strike happened over the weekend.

Trump addressed the military’s latest efforts on Sunday.

“It was stopping drug dealers and drugs from coming into our country,” he said. “We’re not letting drugs come through Mexico, we’re not letting them come through Venezuela.”

Trump and other top officials said the boats are being operated by narco-terrorists and cartel members, with deadly drugs headed for the U.S. Now the U.S. has the world’s largest aircraft carrier on standby in the Caribbean Sea, along with 15,000 troops and fighter jets, as part of Operation Southern Spear.

“We’re going to stop the flow of deadly drugs into our country, we’re going to secure our border, we’re going to protect the American people,” said Department of State spokesperson Tommy Pigott.

“In Venezuela’s case, it’s about drugs, and it’s also about thousands, hundreds of thousands of people that they’ve released into our country,” said Trump, “and some are gang members from Tren de Aragua, some are – many are drug dealers, some are murderers. So, in the case of Venezuela, it’s about – it’s the prison population.”

But some lawmakers are pushing for proof the boats were carrying drugs to the U.S. in the first place.

“One wants a war with Venezuela, to the extent they’re claiming it has something to do with the drug trade coming to the United States,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., during an interview with ABC News.

USCG officials said the narcotics will be turned over, and the Cutter Stone will head back to South Carolina.

The service for MDSO Deputy Devin Jaramillo started at around 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, more than three hours after the hearse carrying his body left Caballero Funeral Home South surrounded by deputies on motorcycles.

7News cameras captured the moment law enforcement officers carried Jaramillo’s casket, draped in a U.S. flag, inside the stadium.

The somber ritual was familiar: the flag draped coffin accompanied by an honor guard and a riderless horse symbolizing a fallen leader.

Among the brothers and sisters in blue who spoke about the 27-year-old deputy’s character was an officer from Coral Gables Police, where Jaramillo served for three years before joining MDSO.

“You were the kind of officer every partner hopes for: loyal, driven,” Coral Gables Police Officer said Melenni Alzate. “You faced every call with courage and every person with heart. You reminded me and everyone around you what this job truly means: service, sacrifice and love for the community we swore to protect.”

Coral Gables Police Chief Edward Hudak said it was tough to find comfort words during this difficult time.

“I am honored with offering words of comfort. Words that make sense. Quite frankly, I’ve not been able to find those words for days,” he said.

MDSO Sgt. Carlos Arguelles, Jaramillo’s uncle, described his nephew as a caring human being.

“He was a grand young man. Devin Matthew Jaramillo: a devoted son, brother, nephew, uncle, student, athlete, deputy, connoisseur and the sweetest, most genuine soul I’ve ever known,” he said.

The deputy’s mother, Yolanda Jaramillo, called him her pride and joy.

“There are no words for what it feels like to lose a child. My baby boy, mi macho lindo. Devin chose a life of service, a life of courage and a life centered around protecting others,” she said. “My son wore his badge with pride. I am proud of the man he became, proud of the officer he was, and I’m proud to be the one he called ‘Mommy.'”

Jaramillo’s father David also paid tribute to his son, who followed in his footsteps to become a law enforcement officer.

“Devin could have been – could have chosen any other path, but instead, he followed in my footsteps and became a protector, a guardian, committed to the greater good,” he said. “His acts of kindness and courage were just small fragments of his character. He was a gladiator who stood against injustice, those who couldn’t protect themselves.”

For his family, it was a ceremony that came far too soon.

“For me, he was my older brother who made the world feel a little less scary,” said sibling Isabella Jaramillo. “Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. Rest easy my beautiful brother.”

Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz told the audience that what happened to Devin is never OK.

“There is nothing about this that is fair and this is not OK and it will never be OK. But you are not alone,” said Cordero-Stutz.

The emotional occasion comes hours after the motorcade left the funeral home and made its way to St. Matthew The Archangel Catholic Church, located near Southwest 27th Avenue and Flagler Street, where family members and friends of the 27-year-old gathered for the private Mass.

7Skyforce hovered above the hearse as Jaramillo’s casket was removed of the vehicle and taken inside the house of worship, as several dozen deputies stood in a respectful salute. While the service was held, MDSO deputies stood guard outside.

Once the Mass wrapped up, at around 9:15 a.m., the motorcade left for loanDepot Park for the larger public memorial service.

Earlier in the day, cameras captured an enhanced police presence outside the stadium, including K-9s and officers blocking off entrances.

Fire officials were also on hand to prepare the venue for the service. Cameras showed a giant U.S. flag hoisted atop two ladder trucks — one from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and the other from Coral Gables Fire Rescue — near the entrance to the stadium.

The public began parking at the stadium at around 7:30 a.m., and the doors opened about an hour later.

The service comes 11 days after Jaramillo was shot and killed when he responded to a traffic crash near a warehouse by Southwest 128th Street and 122nd Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade.

Upon arrival, investigators said, Jaramillo and the gunman, identified as 21-year-old Steven Rustrian, got into a fight, and at one point the shooter disarmed the deputy and used his gun to shoot him.

Authorities said Rustrian went back to his own car and took his own life.

Despite the best efforts from first responders, Jaramillo would not survive.

Once it left the church, the funeral procession traveled north along Northwest 27th Avenue before arriving at Seventh Street. It then headed east to 17th Avenue and arrived at the stadium.

After the ceremony ended, another procession headed for Jaramillo’s burial site, a cemetery located about 20 miles away, where he was laid to rest.

Law enforcement vehicles filled the area of 117th Avenue, near 120th Street, in Southwest Miami-Dade on Monday night for the somber service of Devin Jaramillo.

The somber evening included the attendance of the slain deputy’s family and friends.

Jaramillo, 27, died when he was shot and killed while responding to a traffic crash on Nov. 7. The shooter, identified as 21-year-old Steven Rustrian, disarmed Jaramillo of his gun and used it against him. The suspect then entered his own car and took his own life.

Despite the best efforts by first responders, Jaramillo would not survive. Court records reveal Rustrian was previously arrested in May in New York on several charges, including reckless driving and disobeying a police officer.

“This will never be OK, and I ask the community to continue to hold us in your prayers,” said Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero Stutz at a press conference held a day after Jaramillo’s death.

The private service was held ahead of Tuesday morning’s memorial, where thousands of mourners are expected to fill loanDepot Park, as they bid a final farewell to a hero gone too soon.

“He was somebody’s son, somebody’s brother, friend, a cousin, and I am sending my condolences out to the family,” said MDSO Deputy Joeli Cruz, who responded to the scene when Jaramillo was shot.

According to MDSO, Tuesday’s service will begin with a procession from Caballero Funeral Home South to a private mass before later arriving at the stadium.

The somber event comes just a week and half after a similar procession carried Jaramillo’s casket, draped in an American flag, from the medical examiner’s office.

Since his tragic death, a touching memorial has taken shape outside MDSO’s Kendall district substation where Jaramillo worked. Friends and strangers alike pass by each day to pay their respects to the fallen hero.

“I feel bad, because his career was just starting. You know, it’s really killing me inside,” said area resident Angel Estefan, who visited the memorial at the police station.

Tuesday’s event at loanDepot Park is set to begin at 10 a.m. Road closures and traffic delays are expected starting at 6 a.m.

Final preparations were underway Monday to bid a final farewell to MDSO Deputy Devin Jaramillo. Tens of thousands of mourners are expected to fill the stadium for the service scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.

The service is set to begin with a somber procession, from a funeral home to a private Mass before arriving at the stadium. It will take place a week and a half after a similar procession carried the 27-year-old’s casket, draped in a U.S. flag, from the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office to a funeral home.

At MDSO’s Kendal District Substation, a makeshift memorial continued to grow, honoring the 27-year-old who, authorities said, was killed during a confrontation at the scene of a traffic crash near a warehouse by Southwest 128th Street and 122nd Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade, Nov. 7.

“He was somebody’s son, somebody’s brother, a friend, a cousin, and I send my condolences out to the family,” said MDSO Deputy Joeli Cruz, who responded to the scene when Jaramillo was shot..

“I feel bad because his career was just starting. You know, it’s really killing me inside,” said mourner Angel Estefan.

After Jaramillo responded to the scene of the crash, detectives said, the shooter disarmed Jaramillo and used the deputy’s own gun to shoot him before getting back in his car and taking his own life.

“This will never be OK, and I ask our community to continue to hold us in your prayers,” said Miami-Dade Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.

Despite the best efforts by first responders with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Jaramillo would not survive.

Court records indicate the shooter, identified as 21-year-old Steven Rustrian, was previously arrested in New York back in May on several charges, including reckless driving and disobeying a police officer.

Prior to that arrest, U.S. Army officials confirmed, Rustrian served as an infrantryman in the Army from January 2023 to May 2024, though he did not deploy.

Cordero-Stutz also spoke about Jaramillo’s legacy.

“He could have done anything with his professional career, bur he chose public service, and he chose to do it in this community,” she said.

Organizers are expected to specify the road closures that will take place Tuesday morning as the lengthy procession makes its way to loanDepot Park.

“My officers are ready,” said Sweetwater Police Chief Sergio Diez.

The department kicked off what they’re calling “Operation Safe Holiday” at Dolphin Mall with a stern warning to potential criminals looking to snatch items off store shelves.

“The City of Sweetwater has zero tolerance, I repeat, zero tolerance,” said Diez.

The operation will include ramped up safety measures, including increased usage of drones, cameras, motorcycles and an overall increased presence of officers across the city for the next seven weeks.

“We have officers in patrol cars. We have officers undercover, both inside and outside the mall,” said Diez.

While this is the third year of the department executing this operation at Dolphin Mall, this year is different as officers unveiled a new state-of-the-art mobile command center.

“We can do more from this resource than most police stations can do by themselves,” said Assistant Police Chief Francisco Fernandez.

The large truck will serve as a central hub for coordination, surveillance and rapid response by authorities.

The chief credited past holiday security measures for a decrease in overall crime in the city.

“Citywide, our crime went down last year by 34%. The added police presence during the holidays is what makes a difference,” said Diez.

The chief also had sound advice to offer for shoppers looking to get a head start on their holiday wish lists.

“Lock your cars. Do not leave your items inside the cars and come inside and shop,” said Diez.

The enhanced security measures will be in place through Jan. 4.

In exclusive surveillance footage obtained by 7News, an ocean rescue lifeguard’s F-350 truck is captured accidentally driving over a 59-year-old man who was sunbathing on South Beach near Fourth Street last on Nov. 17, 2024. The front and back tires seen on camera rolling over the beachgoer.

The accident occurred on a picture-perfect and busy day on the beach near a lifeguard stand.

The moment prompted panic among beachgoers and quick calls to 911 to report the incident.

“The victim got struck by an ocean rescue. He was brought to [Jackson Memorial Hospital] Ryder Trauma,” said a police officer. “He is aware, alert, conscious, breathing.”

Immediately after the incident, both lifeguards inside the truck got out and rushed to the victim’s aid. The man suffered minor injuries.

After initially breaking the story of the scare on the beach, 7News filed a public records request to learn more about the incident.

Nearly a year later, 7News has obtained documents that reveal the lifeguards in the truck, Kevin Stockhausen and Christopher Diaz, were under internal affairs investigation by police, and “disciplinary action, including termination, is being considered.”

Body camera footage of that day provides audio of the driver being questioned by responding officials.

“Kevin?” said an officer.

“Yes, sir?” said Stockhausen.

“What happened?” said the officer.

“We were [inaudible]…Had to sign some papers, and I just drove away from the tower. I didn’t see him,” said Stockhausen.

“OK,” said the officer.

According to the materials obtained by 7News, ocean rescue members are not supposed to go east of the garbage cans placed on the beach unless they have their emergency lights on.

But the documents go on to say that the lifeguards displayed “disgraceful conduct while on or off duty” and “gross negligence” during that incident. It also reveals that the lifeguards were driving eastward in the area of the lifeguard stand.

As for Stockhausen, the report says he expressed deep remorse over the mishap and called it one of the most difficult experiences of his career.

Witnesses interviewed by officers described what happened.

“I watched the whole thing happen. They didn’t see him, like at all, and it was both front and back tires,” said a beachgoer.

The report concludes the victim suffered cuts to his legs and stomach.

Alexander and Serena Wurm were on their way to Montego Bay, Jamaica with critical supplies after the devastation from Hurricane Melissa when their Beech B100 crashed into a lake behind a home off Creekside Drive in Coral Springs, Monday.

Loved ones said Alexander, the founder of the Cayman Islands-based Ignite the Fire Ministry, and his 22-year-old daughter lived their lives for others.

On a somber Wednesday night, friends in the Cayman Islands held their own memorial service for the victims and shared heartfelt words for the two people who are gone too soon.

“It’s not how long they lived but what they did with their lives,” said a guest speaker.

Meantime, in Coral Springs, investigators brought crews to remove debris left behind in the crash, placing it on a flatbed to be analyzed.

It’s unclear why the plane crashed just minutes after it took off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.

Friends of Alexander said it wasn’t his first flight mission carrying supplies.

By Tuesday evening, residents placed flowers, creating a memorial to honor the father and daughter outside of the Windsor Bay neighborhood, where they crashed.

“The community wants to show the sorrow and share the devastation of it, and we just hope there’s some level healing at some point with the family,” said Myles Shell, who lives nearby.

The Wurms’ tragic deaths have united communities from South Florida to the Cayman Islands as they paid their respects to two people who spent their lives trying to help others.

A resident at the Windsor Bay neighborhood told 7News a candlelight vigil is planned for the weekend.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

7News cameras captured the casket of Miami Beach Police Sgt. David Cajuso, seen draped with the U.S. flag, as officers carried it inside the Miami Gardens venue’s stage prior to the start of the service, late Wednesday morning.

During the service, his wife, Eileen Cajuso, said after he would arrive home from work, his focus and mission was on his family. She said despite only being together seven years, they built together a strong foundation that now allows her to weather this profound loss.

She pondered openly about faith and said her husband was a deep follower of God.

“Why didn’t the God who he loved so deeply save him? I wondered the same thing, I had so many questions. So I asked God, ‘Why didn’t you save my husband?’ and in time God replied, ‘I did, I did save him. I saved his soul,'” she said.

Cajuso’s friends and family remembered him as a joyous person who was kind to everyone.

“Dave loved the saying, and it was his saying and mantra, ‘It’s a beautiful day.’ He would say it all the time,” said Miami Beach Police Sgt. Phillip Elmore. “Dave knew everyone in the building. They started calling him ‘the golden retriever’ because you would send Dave into a room full of [Fraternal Order of Police] members, and they all came out laughing — slapping them on the back, telling stories. They couldn’t be happier to see Dave.”

“He could turn your hard day into a bearable one, with just one phone call out of the blue,” said his aunt, Monica Gordo. “‘Hey, Tia, how’s your day? Guess who I ran into today? Check your texts. I sent you a picture. Gotta go.'”

Inside the stadium, pictures of Cajuso with loved ones were shown to attendees. They painted a picture of the motorman as a loving husband and father of three young children.

“David’s life may have been short, but his impact reaches far and deep,” said his wife.

One of his daughters hugged her mother as she listened to stories of the dad she and her siblings have lost so young. At one point, they were seen looking at the photo displays.

“You three. You were his purpose, his pride, his everything,” said Miami Beach Police Officer Peter Carballo.

One of the videos shown during the ceremony was of his daughter saying a Bible verse that showed the family’s strong faith.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord, your God will be with you wherever you go,” she said.

7News cameras captured Cajuso’s beloved bike, a Hobie that he also enjoyed outside of work, next to the stage as the service got underway.

His parents were devastated as they told the audience they were looking forward to spending more time together.

“We were looking forward to making so many more memories together, and losing that future feels unbearable,” said David Cajuso Sr.

Hours before the somber ceremony, it was an emotional start as the procession departed Vista Memorial Gardens in Miami Lakes at around 9:10 a.m. and headed east along the Gratigny Expressway.

Before Cajuso’s body reached Hard Rock Stadium, the massive motorcade would pass by Miami Beach Police headquarters, where the 33-year-old served for 10 years, a third of his life as a police officer.

7Skyforce hovered above the procession as it headed down Interstate 95 toward South Beach. All southbound traffic on the highway was brought to a halt to allow the motorcade to go through.

Drivers were urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use alternate routes where possible.

Just after 9:40 a.m., the procession made its way east along the Julia Tuttle Causeway, then south along Pine Tree Drive as it headed to the police department’s headquarters along Washington Avenue.

At around 10 a.m., cameras showed the moment the hearse passed by headquarters. Officers lining the sidewalk on the western side saluted as the procession quietly made its way down the street.

Just before 10:50 a.m., the procession pulled into Hard Rock Stadium and was met by a large crowd that included law enforcement officers from across Florida who came together to mourn Cajuso’s passing.

On Wednesday afternoon, a second procession took place from Hard Rock Stadium to Caballero Rivero Woodlawn South in Southwest Miami Dade, where he was laid to rest.

This all comes two weeks after Cajuso was killed in a crash along I-75 near the Palmetto Expressway in Hialeah. He lost control of his motorcycle and fell down a steep embankment.

Cajuso was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators said no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

“He leaves behind three children and a grieving wife. We ask that you keep his young family in your hearts and in your prayers,” said Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones during an Oct. 28 news conference.

Cajuso’s death sparked a tremendous display of support from his brothers and sisters in blue, as well as the community he so graciously served.

Officials with Miami Beach Police said Cajuso will receive full line-of-duty death honors in a private ceremony.

The motorcade was scheduled to leave Vista Memorial Gardens, located at 14200 NW 57th Ave. in Miami Lakes, at 8:30 a.m., but it didn’t leave the funeral home until around 9:10 a.m.

Once it does, the procession will travel on State Road 112 and Interstate 95 to Miami Beach Police Headquarters, where Cajuso served for 10 years.

“David was 33 years old, a decorated hero,” said Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones during an Oct. 28 news conference. “He leaves behind three children and a grieving wife. We ask that you keep his young family in your hearts and in your prayers.”

The motorcade will enter Miami Beach via the eastbound Julia Tuttle Causeway and begin affecting traffic south of 41st Street starting around 9 a.m. Intermittent closures are expected along Pine Tree Drive, Washington Avenue and Dade Boulevard until about 10:45 a.m.

The procession will then leave Miami Beach using the westbound MacArthur Causeway en route to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens for a memorial service expected to begin around 10 a.m. It is expected to cause additional delays on the causeway and surrounding corridors.

The service comes two weeks after the decorated motorman was killed in a crash along I-75 near the Palmetto Expressway in Hialeah. He lost control of his motorcycle and fell down a steep embankment.

Cajuso was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators said no other vehicles were involved in the crash.

“Today the worst of our nightmares came true,” said Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner.

Cajuso’s death sparked a tremendous display of support from his brothers and sisters in blue, as well as the community he so graciously served.

Drivers on Wednesday morning are urged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and use alternate routes where possible.

The organization Ignite the Fire Ministry announced its founder, 53-year-old Alexander Wurm, and his daughter, 22-year-old Serena Wurm, died in Monday morning’s plane crash.

The relief group said the two victims were headed to storm-stricken Montego Bay when the incident occurred.

City of Fort Lauderdale officials confirmed the aircraft departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport with supplies for victims of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica when it went down along the 5500 block of Northwest 57th Terrace, off Creekside Drive, in the Windsor Bay neighborhood.

“It sounded to me like two race cars, then ‘boom,’ like a quick hit or explosion,” said area resident Dawn Marrill. “I looked up, and I saw, like, all this debris in the air. Like, it looked like somebody blew up a building, and it was just everywhere.”

The devastating chain of events happened shortly after the Wurms took off from the airport, at around 10:20 a.m.

Witnesses watched as the plan began to nosedive.

Robert Swinger-Vargas said he saw the plane go down from his car and quickly called 911.

“Next thing we know, it just took a dive, and it went straight to the ground,” he said.

Video recorded from nearby cameras captures the moment the plane crashes into the lake in Coral Springs.

The National Transportation Safety Board has identified the plane as a Beech B100.

Investigators said the aircraft clipped a one palm tree and struck a fence bordering the backyard of a home before parts of the aircraft went into the lake behind the house, leaving a trail of debris in its path.

“I heard like [airplane noise] and then boom,” said area resident Elizabeth Schenell.

Multiple fire rescue and technical rescue units were dispatched to the scene within minutes. Investigators said the damage was so extensive that divers initially couldn’t find the aircraft.

“We have not found an entire plane yet. We believe that it may be broken into smaller pieces,” said Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Rescue Deputy Fire Chief Mike Moser.

7News cameras captured a plane tire in the backyard, as well as bubbles in the water from where the aircraft landed.

7Skyforce captured debris from the plane scattered across both sides of the neighborhood facing the lake. Fortunately, no one on the ground was injured.

Fire officials said divers reached the fuselage but initially did not find victims or survivors. Officials later confirmed two lives were lost.

Authorities said it’s unclear what led to the crash.

The Beech B100 was more than just a plane but a passion project. Alexander had recently purchased the King Air specifically for his missions across the Caribbean.

Those who were waiting for Alexander on the ground spoke about the kind of person he was.

“He really made a difference, and he gave his life for the people in the nations that were on his heart,” said Sean Malone, CEO of Crisis Response International.

In a statement, Ignite the Fire Ministry said:

“We grieve the tragic loss of our beloved brother, Alexander Wurm (53), and his daughter Serena (22), who passed away in a plane crash, November 10, 2025, while bringing humanitarian aid to Jamaica. Alexander, known for his warmth and unwavering kindness, devoted his life to serving others-both through his actions and by sharing the gospel of Jesus across the globe. Throughout his life, Alex travelled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he tirelessly worked to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need. His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives.

Evangelist Wurm is the founder of Ignite the Fire Ministry, dedicated to empowering youth through missions and evangelism across the Caribbean. They aim to cultivate volunteers who are passionate about making a difference, fostering leadership and community involvement.

Alexander leaves behind his beautiful wife, Candace, and two children, son James (17) and daughter Christiana (20).

Serena, following in her father’s footsteps, was a beacon of empathy and hope, inspiring all with her commitment to humanitarian work. Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage, reminding us of the power of service and love.

As we honour their memory, may we continue their legacy of generosity, compassion, and faith. Rest in peace, Alexander and Serena-your light endures in all whose lives you changed.”

Alexander leaves behind a wife and two other children.

Neighbors are now left devastated as they come to terms with how two lives who were headed to help others were lost.

“Like, how could something like that happen to good people, like doing good things?” said Josh Quildon.

“It’s heartbreaking. I can’t believe how sad it is. It’s terrible,” said Marrill.

Coral Springs Police urged residents in the area to avoid being outdoors and to keep doors close for the remainder of the night due to a strong odor of fuel. The police department set up a command center in the neighborhoos and were seen conducting their investigation on Tuesday morning.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB are also investigating this crash, with NTSB taking the lead.

A statement from Coral Springs Police issued Tuesday reads:

“Coral Springs Police, Fire, and Emergency Management personnel will remain on scene throughout the day to support recovery efforts related to the plane crash.

Street crews have worked throughout the day to clear roadway debris, and our Public Works teams are assisting with environmental cleanup of the impacted area within Windsor Bay.

All roadways in the area are now open, with access into the Windsor Bay community limited.

All inquiries related to the plane crash and victims should be referred to the FAA or NTSB.”

The man’s father, Kennedy Bellamy, told 7News over the phone that investigators’ account of what unfolded outside the retailer Thursday morning does not align with his son’s character.

“He was a good kid,” he said.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the fatal encounter unfolded while a deputy was patrolling the Walmart on Southwest 211th Street, off South Dixie Highway, at around 7:15 a.m.

“While he was in his patrol, he was contacted by one of the loss prevention officers who was working and was advised of an individual who was actively stealing,” said Miami-Dade County Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz.

Detectives said the deputy attempted to make contact with the suspect, identified by his family as 36-year-old Kennedy Graham, who immediately took off running.

A short foot pursuit ensued. Some time later, a fight broke out near the entrance doors of the Walmart during which Graham revealed to the deputy that he was armed.

“Our deputy did in fact discharge his service weapon. The subject fled and eventually collapsed on the street just outside,” said Cordero-Stutz.

A woman who asked not to be identified or show her face on camera told 7News she watched it all unfold.

“The cop was running behind him, and they shot him like three times. [Graham] ran like a little bit more, and he just fell forward, face forward,” she said.

Deputies rendered aid to Graham before Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units arrived. Paramedics transported him to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Cordero-Stutz said Graham had an extensive criminal history. However, his father doesn’t believe his son would have been carrying a weapon.

“What’s so important at Walmart to kill a person over? They’re trying to say that his criminal background, he had a gun,” said Bellamy. “My son didn’t pull a gun.”

Back at the scene of the shooting. 7Skyforce hovered above a large police presence along South Dixie Highway next to the Walmart.

The gunfire erupted just steps from a day care. The staff there was shaken up.

“It’s just scary, and it’s scary in the area, and we’re just hoping it doesn’t happen again,” said day care employee Claudia Camacho. “It’s very scary because it’s something that doesn’t happen often, honestly. It’s something that shouldn’t happen at all.”

No one else was injured.

Cordero-Stutz said the 37-year-old deputy involved is a five-year veteran with the law enforcement agency.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has taken over the ongoing investigation, as is standard in a deputy-involved shooting.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the violent chain of events started with an armed carjacking involving three armed suspects in the area of Southwest 279th Street and 127th Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade, Monday night.

Investigators said the suspects, two 18-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy, drove to a neighborhood near Southeast 25th Avenue and 28th Court in Homestead, roughly eight miles from where the carjacking took place.

“Upon arrival, three armed subjects fled from the vehicle,” said MDSO Undersheriff Christopher Carothers.

Investigators said deputies from MDSO’s South District Crime Suppression Team and Special Enforcement Team located the stolen vehicle moments later, and a foot pursuit ensued.

Surveillance video captured the suspects as they ran through the neighborhood, as well as considerable shouting after deputies catch up with them. At one point, a deputy is heard yelling at the trio to drop their guns.

Just before 9 p.m., MDSO investigators said, one of the deputies was forced to discharge their weapon, striking 18-year-old Stephan Jones in the arm.

“The subject that was shot, we understand that he was armed with an assault rifle which was recovered on scene,” said Carothers.

Jessica Ortiz told 7News she watched it all happen in front of her home.

“I heard him when he screamed, ‘You shot me,'” she said.

Area resident Virginia Trejo recalled hearing the gunfire.

“There was a bunch of, like, sirens, like, all around the perimeter of the houses, and then I hear like, no, and then I see, like, all the cops running around, just like in a panic,” she said. “Then I see some in the front of a house, and it was just a mess.”

The two other suspects were taken into custody. The deputies are seen struggling with the suspects out of the camera’s frame while a gun lies on the ground nearby.

“It’s really unfortunate, you know, especially that at that age, you’re up to that type of crime,” said Ortiz.

“It’s so sad. I mean, so young and so complicated, right? Instead of using their time, I guess, to do something else, they’re just stealing cars,” said area resident Jairo Sinclair.

Paramedics transported Jones to Jackson South Medical Center. He was later released and booked into jail.

Jones was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. The other 18-year-old suspect, identified as Tyquawn Davis, was charged with armed robbery and carjacking. The youngest suspect was charged with resisting arrest.

Authorities said each suspect had a gun.

No deputies were hurt. Carothers later praised their actions.

“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies just displayed the utmost courage and engaged armed subjects, keeping our community safe. I’m very thankful for them. They did their job well and they did it safely to keep our community safe,” he said.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating this deputy-involved shooting.

7News cameras on Sunday morning captured Reynier Santiesteban as he shoveled broken glass into a bucket at his home along the 200 block of Northwest 109th Avenue in West Miami-Dade.

“My son was sleeping. Me and my wife were in our bedroom just watching Netflix. We hear like a big boom, and when I came down, I saw that a pickup truck parked in my family room,” he said.

The chaotic crash sent debris such as furniture, glass and drywall flying across the living room, just after midnight on Sunday.

“We could be dead right now,” said Santiesteban.

Santiesteban said he immediately dialed 911.

“I called 911. They responded right away. I was looking because he was like breathing and stuff,” he said.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fire Rescue units responded to the scene shortly after.

The homeowner said the truck had plowed through several fences before going straight through the wall. The impact appeared to leave the driver unconscious.

“Drove from that street over there. He broke that fence, my fence, and those walls that you can see,” he said. “That guy was passed out when I called 911. He was passed out.”

Paramedics transported the driver to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in critical condition.

7News cameras captured the aftermath of the crash, showing the black pickup truck that went barreling straight through Santiesteban’s yard.

The truck was eventually pulled out and towed away.

All day Sunday, neighbors were seen helping the family pick up the pieces of debris caused by the crash. The big hole in the townhome’s wall has since been boarded up.

“We got a little bit shocked. I feel like I’m venting out a little bit my frustration because just imagine, we just bought this house, and this happened, you know,” said Santiesteban.

Santiesteban said he and his family are grateful to be OK.

“I feel blessed, man. All the neighbors passed by here to help me, and the [best] part is that neither my wife nor my son suffered some physical injury or something like that,” said the homeowner.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. It remains unclear whether or not the driver will be facing any charges.

The City of Miramar, the Consul General of Jamaica and Food For The Poor have joined forces to launch a humanitarian relief effort.

Miramar Mayor Wayne M. Messam discussed their current endeavor at a news conference held late Thursday morning. He said the damage caused by the storm is staggering.

“It’s just devastating when you see the images, the pictures, just the complete devastation,” he said.

Messam urged South Floridians to support Jamaica in the hurricane’s wake.

“First we ask for your prayers, for Jamaica, we ask you for your financial support, we ask you for your philanthropy, in any way that you can.,” he said.

The joint humanitarian relief effort aims to bring resources to the island.

“The western side of Jamaica has been ravaged, and we will need all the support possible,” said Consul General of Jamaica Oliver Mair.

“It’s the hygiene items, things that people need in an immediate response to an emergency, especially a water one, so you got everything from buckets to containers but also have all of the goods that we need in that as a complete kit,” said Food for the Poor President and CEO Ed Raine.

The group is now accepting donations of the following items:

• Tarps and tents
• Tools
• Generators
• Sleeping Bags
• Trash bags
• First aid kits
• Flashlights
• Hygiene kits

“Please donate to us. We are able to buy locally in Jamaica, which will speed up the ability to get things,” said Raine.

“Our drop-off locations [are available] 24 hours a day, so it doesn’t matter the time,” said Messam.

Those locations include:

• Fire Station 19 – 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33023
• Fire Station 70 – 9001 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025
• Fire Station 84 – 14801 SW 27th Street, Miramar, FL 33027
• Fire Station 100 – 2800 SW 184th Avenue, Miramar, FL 33029
• Fire Station 107 – 11811 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL 33023
• Miramar Police Headquarters – 11765 City Hall Promenade, Miramar, FL 33025

Above all, they said, monetary support is what’s needed most.

“We’re going to need help, cash donations to be able to buy building materials, bulding supplies, to repair the roofs or to build back total homes if necessary,” said Mark Khouri, Executive Vice President of Food For The Poor.

Jamaican native and artist Shaggy said he’s using his organization Make A Difference Foundation, alongside Attorney Daniel Newlin, to support those most impacted.

“I’m going to hit the ground running. I’m going to link up with Food For The Poor down there and we’re going to go around and see what we can do and there’s another plane coming on Saturday filled with goods and we’re going to do that and if we have to bring more, we’ll do more,” he said.

Food For The Poor is not the only organization stepping in to help. Major relief efforts are ongoing in Doral, where the Global Empowerment Mission has been hard at work all week rounding up supplies to send to the island.

Kimberly Bentley, GEMs Director of Emergency Response, spoke with 7News from St. Elizabeth Parish in western Jamaica.

“We arrived prior to the storm so we could get all the paperwork and clearances in order, so that way we could hit the ground running. The airports just opened up, so now that that’s taken care of, [on Thursday] we can go into the field and be sure that impacted areas have access,” she said.

The GEM team has set up a warehouse that is now ready to receive critical supplies like food, water, generators batteries and radios.

“We’ve got three cargo planes coming in, and as of next week, we also have containers coming in consistently,” said Bentley. “It’s not only supplies, but it’s hope in a box, so I think that gives some morale knowing that they aren’t forgotten and there is help on the way.”

On Thursday, GEM posted a video to social media showing pallets of aid being offloaded from a plane after landing in Jamaica.

In the City of Hialeah, officials launched a relief program asking for things like water, canned foods, mosquito repellent, diapers and first aid kits.

“We’re going to use every single fire station. We have nine fire stations in the city. Every single one of them will be accepting these relief efforts. But we ask that you do it organized and we’re going to be accepting from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.,” said Hialeah Fire Rescue Chief Freddie Perez.

For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

For more information about the supply drive in Miramar, click here.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the scene of the blaze at a one-story house along Southwest 127th Terrace, off 88th Avenue, just after 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

“Kitchen on fire, one male on scene advising burns on his head,” said a dispatcher in radio transmissions.

“Approximately 11-plus units responded, heavy smoke upon arrival,” said MDFR Battalion Chief James Koch. “Luckily, they were in pretty quick and made access because the house was open already.”

Firefighters battled the fast-moving flames, knocking them out in under an hour.

“They were able to get the fire under control as quick as possible, but it had spread pretty quickly,” said Koch.

7News has learned a couple live in the home. A woman was seen distraught outside the residence.

“Located the burn patient. There were two people inside, both of them are out,” said a dispatcher in radio transmissions.

Paramedics transported the woman’s boyfriend to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. As of Wednesday afternoon, his condition is unknown.

Speaking off camera, the woman who lives in the home said the structure was built by hand by her boyfriend’s family, and it is very special to them.

After the sun rose, 7News cameras captured the exterior of the house covered in soot, as well as burn marks by the front door.

Fire officials said the home may no longer be livable.

“They’ll probably be staying somewhere else,” said Koch.

The extent of the damage remains unclear, as well as where the fire ignited, as officials continue to investigate.

7News cameras captured volunteers assembling cardboard boxes at the Global Empowerment Mission warehouse, located on Northwest 84th Avenue in Doral, Tuesday morning. The nonprofit has been hard at work for days getting resources together.

GEM hosted a news conference while they round up critical supplies to send off to Jamaica.

“As ourselves being the first ones there, [we’re] trying to make sure that we are there to help people who are going through a tough time,” said Billy Richardson, GEM’s Director of U.S. Warehouses.

Among those who attended the news conference was Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

“We’re here to support the incredible work of so many. You’ve seen the volunteers already, working hard, and there will be hundreds of volunteers,” she said.

Officials said the donations will be flown out as soon as the conditions are safe.

“We are going to be sending out first one to three plane loads out as soon as the airport is open, and then follow that by 15 containers,” said Richardson.

“Our airport and our seaport, part of Miami-Dade County government, are on the ready to help,” said Levine Cava.

Along with donating crucial items, people are being asked to donate their time.

“People are going to need our help. They’re already being touched by this terrible storm,” said Levine Cava.

North of the county line, several fire stations and the police department in Miramar are collecting items like tarps, flashlights and water bottles. If you would like to help, click here.

A woman who did not want to be identified told 7News said she’s helping those impacted because she’s gone through a storm in the past.

“I am from the Caribbean, and I have gone through a hurricane where I lost everything. It’s life-changing, you never forget,” she said.

In Lauderhill, city officials have launched a relief drive to support Caribbean residents in need. Their drop-off locations for essential supplies are as follows:

• Lauderhill City Hall – 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Veterans Park – 7600 NW 50th St., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• John Mullins Park – 2000 NW 55th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Westwind Park – 4550 NW 82nd Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• Lauderhill Historical Museum – 1080 NW 47th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Joy’s Roti Delight – 1205 NW 40th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313

For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

GEM is currently collecting nonperishable food items, as well as household items. Here is a list.

Nonperishable foods:

• Canned protein/vegetable/fruits/beans
• Snacks like dried fruits, protein bars, crackers, chips and beef jerky
• Cereals
• Ramen
• Meals ready to eat
• Cases of water

Temporary household needs:

• Generators
• Chainsaws/rotary rescue saws
• Tarpaulins/tarps
• Wheelbarrows
• Multi-use yard tools
• Cleanup kits/shovels/rakes/large industrial trash bags
• Bug repellent/mosquito repellent
• Work gloves (new)
• Sleeping bags (new)/military cots/cots (new)
• Air mattresses (new)
• Flashlights
• Batteries – AA/AAA/D
• Portable radios
• First aid kits
• LifeStraw water filters
• Solar-powered lightweight portable lanterns/portable emergency lighting/solar-powered devices
• Power banks (solar power)
• Gas cans for generators – all sizes

The Category 5 storm is barreling toward Jamaica after wreaking havoc in Hispaniola. Heavy rain and landslides are sweeping the region, destroying homes, uprooting trees and knocking out power.

The system, which has already claimed at least three lives in Haiti and one in the Dominican Republic, is expected to make landfall in Jamaica Tuesday afternoon.

Jamaicans are preparing for the worst, as the storm surge is forecast to reach up to 13 feet.

“I worry about, you know, the Caribbean. This might be the worst one,” said a fisherman.

“I just take things easy. I don’t worry myself. As long as I have food, can eat, that’s the most important thing,” said another resident.

Homes across Jamaica are now boarded up. This past weekend, grocery store shoppers scrambled to grab essential items.

“I was hoping to get some bread; the shelves are empty,” said a shopper.

“There’s still a lot of people who, like, got paid late, so they’re rushing now to get items, food items,” said resident Gabrielle Maurice. “Lots of people really don’t have the financial means to get all that they would need.”

Miami resident Nicole Doyon said her girls trip to Jamaica with her friends has turned into a travel nightmare. Now she’s forced to hunker down.

“It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, especially when, like, everybody’s kind of panicking, trying to get on a flight, like every man for himself,” she said.

While Melissa is expected to be the strongest hurricane to impact Jamaica in more than 35 years, hundreds of miles away in South Florida, help is already on the way.

In Miramar, the city is collecting supplies at all its fire and police stations.

Over at the Global Empowerment Mission’s headquarters in Doral, volunteers spent the past several days filling boxes with necessities, including nonperishable food, hygienic items and water.

“The impact will be so difficult, with persons having to be without the necessary essential items, these family necessity kits will at least help them get through a few days,” said lead volunteer Marlon Hill.

At GEM, at least 5,000 relief boxes will go from its headquarters to those most impacted.

“Right now, our team’s gonna be out there, and then we are prepping to see what’s gonna happen after the impact,” said Billy Richardson, GEM’s Director of U.S. Warehousing. “After the impact, we’ll send some more people over, as well as our first plane load, which should be about 50,000 pounds of aid, followed by about six 640-foot containers by sea.”

Richardson said the supplies will be in the sky and on the way by the middle of the week.

“We have hygiene kits, food, water, laundry detergent, and all these things kind of help people when that first initial response is needed right after the storm,” he said.

Kanniga Anderson, who has his family back in Jamaica, said he’s concerned, but any help will go a long way.

“I don’t really feel good, but they got to take what they get, ’cause it’s a natural thing, right?” he said.

Bob Grant, owner of Hot Off The Grill, a Caribbean restaurant in Pembroke Pines, said he has family on the island and expects Jamaica to be hit hard by the storm.

“This is the first time a Category 5 has hit Jamaica, and there’s a lot of rural places where the infrastructure is not that great,” he said. “We are a praying country, and we pray, my family prays, everyone I know is praying for no loss of life and as least damage as possible.”

Grant’s restaurant highlights the beauty of Jamaica, a beauty that he hopes survives the powerful hurricane. He showed 7News several photos he has taken from the island that are hung on his restaurant’s walls.

“I call this the windows to Jamaica. That’s like Ocho Rios,” he said.

Fire and police stations in the City of Miramar are collecting items like tarps, flashlights and water bottles. If you would like to help, click here.

One volunteer, who did not want to be identified, told 7News said she’s helping those impacted because she’s gone through these storms in the past.

“I am from the Caribbean, and I have gone through a hurricane where I lost everything. It’s life-changing, you never forget,” she said.

In Lauderhill, city officials have launched a relief drive to support Caribbean residents in need. Their drop-off locations for essential supplies are as follows:

• Lauderhill City Hall – 5581 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Veterans Park – 7600 NW 50th St., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• John Mullins Park – 2000 NW 55th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Westwind Park – 4550 NW 82nd Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33351
• Lauderhill Historical Museum – 1080 NW 47th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313
• Joy’s Roti Delight – 1205 NW 40th Ave., Lauderhill, FL 33313

For more information on Melissa donations to GEM, click here. For information on community volunteering at GEM, click here.

Here is a list of the items GEM is collecting.

Nonperishable foods:

• Canned protein/vegetable/fruits/beans
• Snacks like dried fruits, protein bars, crackers, chips and beef jerky
• Cereals
• Ramen
• Meals ready to eat
• Cases of water

Temporary household needs:

• Generators
• Chainsaws/rotary rescue saws
• Tarpaulins/tarps
• Wheelbarrows
• Multi-use yard tools
• Cleanup kits/shovels/rakes/large industrial trash bags
• Bug repellent/mosquito repellent
• Work gloves (new)
• Sleeping bags (new)/military cots/cots (new)
• Air mattresses (new)
• Flashlights
• Batteries – AA/AAA/D
• Portable radios
• First aid kits
• LifeStraw water filters
• Solar-powered lightweight portable lanterns/portable emergency lighting/solar-powered devices
• Power banks (solar power)
• Gas cans for generators – all sizes

Hollywood Fire Rescue units responded to reports of a fire at an apartment building in the area of New York Street and Hollywood Boulevard, near Hollywood Beach, Tuesday evening.

“We have a multi-residential structure with black smoke visible coming from the roof,” said a dispatcher.

Flames could be seen shooting out of the windows and balcony of one of the building’s top floor units.

Broken glass from the apartment’s window was captured scattered across the sidewalk directly below the unit.

Witness John Stinson told 7News he was sitting on the nearby broadwalk with the man who lives inside the unit that caught fire.

“He had moved to the north side on the top floor, so I went to go look up to see his apartment, and it was full of smoke coming out of the sliding glass doors,” said Stinson. “He jumped up, immediately ran in. He’s distraught.”

The apparent resident of that unit was seen speaking with people outside of the building.

“There was so much smoke in the hallway, I dropped my phone, I couldn’t see, I dropped my phone in the hallway, along with the keys, so I couldn’t open the door because there was so much smoke inhalation,” the resident told the crowd.

Witnesses said the fire quickly intensified.

“It just got worse from there. Fifteen minutes later, windows are blowing out. Thirty minutes later, it’s coming out of the front patio,” said Stinson. “I feel sorry for the guy.”

Firefighters arrived to find the raging flames torching the unit.

7Skyforce captured the fire ripping through the apartment, with the entire corner of the building left charred.

Several crews from nearby cities assisted to battle the intensifying fire.

“We had everyone from Davie Fire Rescue, Broward Sheriff’s Office and then us as well,” said Chai Kauffman, a spokesperson for Hollywood Fire Rescue.

Officials said an elderly woman, a police officer and a firefighter were taken to the hospital to be treated for possible smoke inhalation. They were described as being alert.

Residents were unable to go back inside while investigators worked to determine the cause of the fire.

Adrianna DiCarlo told 7News she was desperate to get back inside to her two dogs.

“I’m sure they’re scared to death, poor little things, and it’s, somebody telling you, ‘Your dogs are OK’ is quite different than you actually having them in your arms, you know,” said DiCarlo. “They’re my babies.”

While the fire is out, it left behind several marks both inside the unit and along the outside.

“Tragic. I don’t know how it happened, but hopefully everything’s gonna work out in the end,” said a man.

Officials are still working to determine the cause of the fire.

The American Red Cross was called to assist those affected by the blaze.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, Kendrick Javonne Lesesne, a South Carolina native, was found suffering from a gunshot wound inside his Hyundai, Sunday night.

Lesesne’s three aunts told 7News on Monday night they are devastated and the family is coming to terms with this unimaginable loss.

“Shocking is an understatement,” said Tamara Ragin. “There’s no words that can express the grief that the family is going through right now.”

FHP said the incident involved a black Cadillac SUV and Lesesne’s silver Hyundai, at around 7:35 p.m. along the northbound lanes, just south of Northwest 199th Street.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, an off-duty Biscayne Park Police sergeant spotted the Hyundai weaving in and out of traffic. Then, the officer heard a loud bang and saw the car losing control and crashing into the Cadillac.

Authorities said the gunfire caused the Lesesne to lose control and crash into the Cadillac SUV.

The off-duty sergeant rushed to the car where the passenger alerted him that Lesesne had been shot. The sergeant tried to save him, but the 25-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe it all started as road rage.

The shooting and crash led to a large investigation that unfolded into the night, leading to the closure of the Turnpike and several other roadways.

The victim’s family said Lesesne moved to Miami three years ago to work as a longshoreman at the Port of Miami like other men have done in his family. His aunts said he was shot while heading home to Broward to get ready for a drive to South Carolina the next morning.

“He told his mom he was coming back to see her, and its so unfortunate at this time. My sister, my older sister, had to get the news the way she got it. That she’ll never see her only son ever again,” said Tamara.

They said the loss has hurt the entire family and they will remember him as the kind man he was.

“Kendrick was a humble guy, a peaceful guy,” said Shantel Ragin.

“He was really something to be around because that smile was something serious,” said Alicia Ragin.

Investigators say the shooter took off, though it’s still not clear who fired the bullets and from where. Fortunately, no one else was hurt.

As the search for the shooter continues, the family says they have a message to the person behind the death of their loved one.

“Just have a heart and know that if it was your family, you’d want the same thing that we want and we ask and plead for you to come forward,” said Tamara.

And they are also pleading for anyone to come forward with information that could give the family closure and justice.

“Yesterday was our door. Tomorrow, it could be your door. We just want justice and peace,” said Alicia.

MDSO is leading the ongoing homicide investigation, and FHP is investigating the crash.

Detectives have not released any further details about who they may be looking for, as they continue to investigate.

If you have any information on this shooting or the subject’s whereabouts, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Deputies responded to the area of Seventh Avenue and Northwest 95th Street at around 2:00a.m., Friday after receiving a ShotSpotter alert.

At the scene, officials found two men in the pharmacy’s parking lot—one inside a vehicle and one lying on ground—both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

One body could be seen covered by tarp next to a black Chevy Tahoe, the other several yards away by the entrance of the Walgreen’s.

They were pronounced dead by fire rescue.

Devastated family members watched as the Medical Examiner’s Office removed the bodies.

7News cameras captured apparent bullets holes in the walls of the drug store and in the black SUV.

Evidence markers lined the pavement as investigators processed the crime scene.

Investigators found two guns and bagged them as evidence.

As of right now, police have not released any more information in regards to the deceased’s identities and their relationship with each other or theories about a motive.

The Walgreen’s remains closed and the entire parking lot is blocked off with crime scene tape as this is an active investigation.

Detectives said they aren’t looking for anyone at this time.

The ship will operate out of South Florida for a full season, embarking on a slew of voyages from short Caribbean getaways to transatlantic crossings.

“It was wonderful, I give them a 12 out of 10,” said cruisegoer, Donna Davis Lofley.

7News spoke with the last group of passengers onboard before the ship prepares for its new season.

“My gosh, they had so many activities, we had so much fun. We lined danced, we played cards, we did exercises, we ballroom danced,” said Lofley.

“Wonderful it was very, very good. We had the best experience,” said Cruisegoer, Becky Palmer.

The boat will be based in Miami until April.

Thursday, 7News got an inside look of the spacious cabins, dining rooms and luxury spaces.

Each voyage spans between nine and 28 days, featuring hot-spot destinations including Montego Bay, St.Lucia, Barbados, and Puerto Rico.

“It looks very brand new but she’s got this timeless luxury elegance that we just all love from her,” said cruise representative Elizabeth Fettes. “She has a wellness pavilion, curated menus from Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea so they can have a relaxation rejuvenation side of it. She also has art deco style and decor that illuminates throughout the ship.”

The boat, which holds just over 2,000 people, is known for its art deco appeal, blending old-time class with modern luxury and classic charm.

“We just had a great time and all of a sudden three weeks are up. I can’t believe it,” said Lofley as she joyfully reflected on her experience. “We had cocktails every night at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:30 p.m., our maître d’Alvin, oh he was wonderful.”

The Queen Elizabeth is set to depart on its inaugural trip from Miami for a 12-night Caribbean voyage Thursday.

For information on the destinations offered, click here.

Parents received an email Wednesday from president, Father Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, notifying them about a video circulating online which showed a student displaying a weapon off campus.

The letter was sent to all parents of students attending the all boys school located on Southwest 127th Avenue off Sixth Street for grades six through twelve.

A portion of letter reads:

“Following our standard operating procedures, we have informed our security team and they will implement heightened security measures. The safety of everyone on our campus will always be our number one priority. We hope that everyone—students, faculty, staff, and parents— can work together to remain vigilant.”

-Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, President

Following an investigation led by the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Homeland Security, the president confirmed Thursday morning that “there is no threat to the school, students, or employees.”

Nonetheless, heightened security measures are in place at the school, with patrol units observed outside.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Broward Sheriff’s Fire Rescue responded to the 3900 block of Northwest 35th Avenue around 11:38 a.m., Tuesday for reports of an animal bite.

Deputies found an man suffering from multiple dog bite injuries.

“Everything was happening and they rush him and one of the guys said ‘Oh my gosh, they’re going to kill him,'” said a neighbor named Jenny. “And then they were looking for somewhere to go, but they didn’t get anywhere to go, and he run over there. And they chased him over there. He was so nervous and didn’t know what to do, and kept doing like this.”

Investigators said one of the dogs then tried to attack one of the deputies, who fired their weapon, injuring the animal.

“As the car drive up, they attack him again and they were going and he was rushing, and by the time after he come out, both of them pin him to the car and they jump up and I say ‘Oh God, they going to kill him right now,'” said Jenny.

Neighbors say it’s not uncommon for the dogs to be outside, and have always feared the animals.

“When they escape, they always come over here, and when we come over here we can’t come outside because they’re very bad dogs,” said Jenny.

7Skyforce hovered above, capturing investigators looking for bullets in the grass.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while Broward County Animal Care took custody of the injured dog.

Officials with the Broward County Animal Care say two dogs were involved in the incident and both dogs were surrendered.

“I’ve never seen the cops shoot anybody over here, or shoot a dog over here, in my life,” said Herb, who lives in the neighborhood. “We’ve been here for a long time. Everybody that walks their dog here, they’re on leashes. Everybody got their own leashes, so that’s bad ownership.”

7News attempted to speak to the owners of the dogs, but they chose not to comment.

A third dog was also surrendered to BCAC but was not involved in the attack.

The two dogs involved in the incident were euthanized Tuesday night, and the condition of the man remains unknown at this time.