Firefighters with the Oakland Park Fire Department responded to the 2100 block of West Oakland Park Boulevard near an animal hospital on Monday afternoon.

As officials worked on burning off the gas, area residents were briefly evacuated.

No injuries were reported.

It remains unclear what caused the leak.

The team is now back in Texas, where they’ll face Ohio State in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl for the College Football Playoff quarterfinals on Wednesday night.

During the media day session, players were pretty tight-lipped, keeping key details close to the vest, but they did say they are ready for the face-off.

“I’m going to be super amped up. I know this team is going to be super amped up. I think the first time I walk on the field, it’ll be a really cool feeling. Just look around, take everything in, and once I do that, it’s go time,” said Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck.

Players said they have zero interest in playing as the underdogs.

“I knew that we would get to this point. I knew that we were going to have to go through some hard times. I knew that there was going to be a grind, but I believed in the process the entire time,” said Hurricane running back Mark Fletcher Jr. “As soon as I signed that pen to the paper, I believed in the process, trusted the process, and I’m just very grateful that we’re here.”

Coach Mario Cristobal said he wants the team focused and on task.

“The unity of this team has been founded and just really hard work, been through some real trying times and situations and adversity, and it’s been exciting watching the growth and development of our guys, just galvanized throughout the process,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the Canes settled into their hotel after their flight from Miami to Dallas. They told 7Sports they are ready to get to work.

“I had a bed seat, I slept the whole ride, so I feel like it was a good thing,” said Canes defensive lineman Anez Cooper.

While the beds are different, the preparation routine remains the same.

“We’re the same team every week — no matter who we play, where we play, what we’re playing — and we’re going to prepare the same way and be the same team, same team we’ve been all year,” said Canes defensive back Jakobe Thomas.

Miami is focused on maximizing the time before its first-ever College Football Playoff quarterfinal game. However, players admitted during the presser that despite their professional status, the nerves are still there.

“It’s a game, and I love this game, and I block out the noise, the crowd. It’s just the game I fell in love with when I was 8 years old. It’s the same thing,” said Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor.

The stage is set, and now is the time to lock in with the Canes bringing their best team they’ve had in more than 20 years.

“They got a lot of talent from depth, starters, the guys that are on the bench, all through the depth,” said Thomas.

“And I just feel like that’s a big challenge for us that we’re going to go into come Wednesday, and I feel like we’re excited for the challenge, we’re just focused, and we’re just ready to play,” said Cooper.

There’s a lot of excitement from the Canes and their fanbase ahead of the New Year’s Eve matchup.

But until then, Canes players say they will rest, stay calm, and get ready to play well enough that they enter the new year still playing football.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Michael Irvin tells 7News’ Sports Anchor Josh Moser that he’ll be flying into Irving on Tuesday night to witness the game.

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.

Members of the fire department, along with hospital volunteers, joined forces to transform a hospital room into a winter-themed holiday toy store for children on Tuesday morning.

The event is part of the hospital’s annual “Snowpile” Toy Store, which brings the magic of Christmas inside the hospital to those who aren’t able to spend it outside.

“We get to make their day a little bit brighter by giving them some kind of joy, especially in the festivities that we have; this is vitally important to us,” said Miami Fire Rescue Capt. Armando Suarez.

Once the young patients selected their preferred gift, the volunteers and firefighters wrapped them while families enjoyed hot chocolate, holiday music and seasonal treats.

Officials say the event created a meaningful moment of joy and normalcy for families facing a difficult holiday season.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of the ocean near the 4400 block of Rickenbacker Causeway.

7News cameras captured MDSO and Fire Rescue units on scene about 100 yards off Hobie Beach.

Detectives say upon arrival, they found a dead man.

Details regarding the circumstances of the man’s death remains unknown.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a domestic incident near the 100 block of Northeast 41st Street and First Terrace at around 1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Responding deputies arrived to find the woman suffering from stab wounds inside a corner unit on the first floor of the apartment building. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said deputies made contact with the subject, identified as 37-year-old Mario Alejandro Ramirez, who was suffering from a self-inflicted wound. Deputies struggled with him while applying pressure to stop the bleeding.

Deputies were able to control Ramirez and take him into custody, detectives said.

7DroneForce captured part of the complex cordoned off with crime scene tape.

On the ground, 7News cameras captured crime scene investigators near a stairwell and outside a first floor unit.

Residents say they are shocked to hear what happened.

“I see like a body laying on the floor and I was like, ‘What’s going on?'” said an area resident.

“Definitely shocked to hear that,” said a man.

Neighbors said they witnesses investigators walking around the apartment complex throughout the night and were asked questions by the officials.

“Asking us if we heard anything, if we knew the neighbors and such,” said the resident.

Paramedics with Oakland Park Fire Rescue transported Ramirez to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment. His condition is unknown.

Crime scene investigators spent hours investigating the first floor unit, as they collected evidence and attempted to piece together the circumstances that led up to the stabbing.

Early Tuesday morning, the medical examiner’s office responded to the scene and removed the woman’s body from the apartment unit on a stretcher.

Ramirez now faces one count of murder in the second degree.

Detectives have not released information on how the two were related as the investigation continues.

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.

The toothy visitor had some expensive taste, as it was seen crawling around Fisher Island Day School on Monday, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

7News was exclusively tipped off about the unwanted reptile on the ritzy island. The reptile appears to have decided to take a business trip to America’s most expensive zip code.

But it didn’t take long to get some reptile relief.

FWC officials say they took quick action upon being notified of the reptile’s presence.

In a statement, a spokesperson wrote:

“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission was notified of an American crocodile near a school on Fisher Island in Miami-Dade County. A Crocodile Response Agent was dispatched to the location and captured the federally-protected animal, which will be relocated.”

But before it was captured, parents and residents who live around the school wrote in text messages shared with 7News that they felt uneasy.

“I’m concerned,” said one resident.

Another resident said they were discussing hiring a “licensed private trapper to remove the crocodile.”

Residents also talked about the need to be “very careful with children and pets.”

Luckily, before the crocodile crept any closer to the school and the surrounding neighborhoods, officials handled the situation.

According to school officials, “…the Fisher Island Day School head of school called FWC…about the crocodile. [The] Fisher Island Club Association has been working with senior FWC officials…”

The crocodile has since been relocated off the island and will now have to spend the holiday week in less luxurious surroundings.

FWC officials said there has been an increase in crocodile sightings due to a population increase around the water. They added that if someone encounters a crocodile, they should keep a safe distance, keep pets on a leash and keep children away from the water’s edge.

Sixty-one-year-old Ivan Gallardo greeted members of the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Station #8 on Monday afternoon.

7News cameras captured the group shaking hands, hugging, and conversing about his recovery.

Gallardo suffered cardiac arrest in September at his office. His colleagues found him slumped over and quickly began CPR before first responders were able to arrive.

The victim said those first seconds of action from his coworkers helped save his life.

“I think that fast response, them seeing me unconscious, and they reacted quickly,” he said.

Station 8 raced into the office, placed him in an ambulance, and headed to a nearby hospital.

“As we were rounding the corner, it got upgraded to CPR in progress,” said FLFR firefighter GW Depauw.

Firefighters said they had to shock Gallardo twice to get him breathing as they made their way to the hospital. Depauw said it’s a miracle that patients who suffer through these kinds of incidents get a second chance at life.

“I’ve been 23 years with Fort Lauderdale. I’ve had very few of these where we run on cardiac arrest or a code, and we get to shake hands days later and meet the person,” said Depauw.

“Had everything not aligned perfectly, he wouldn’t be here with us today. Because of all of those things coming together, in a timely fashion, get another Christmas and hopefully many more years to come,” said FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan.

Ivan said he’s thankful for the quick work of his colleagues and first responders who saved his life and allowed him to celebrate the holidays and the rest of his life.

“My coworkers say, you know, I had a rebirth. I have to celebrate my birthday twice from now on,” he said.

Gollan said this story is a good reminder to the public to take a CPR course.

All 18 units of the apartment complex were rendered uninhabitable due to the fire.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue units responded to the 11600 block of Northeast 18th Drive on Friday evening.

7News cameras captured firefighters battling the flames that were billowing from the roof. Crews had to tear open parts of the roof to vent the fire.

“It was a big blaze, as soon as I open my side door, I see that the front door just fell off the hinges due to the blazes.” said Leslie Lagrandeur, an eight-year resident of the complex.

Lagrandeur captured the blaze through cell phone video, with the fire erupting in the apartment across from his. Lagrandeur called 911 and reported the fire, and made sure to assist people in the process.

“Went door to door knocking on everybody’s door to make sure everybody comes outside.” he said.

Extra fire crews were called in to help put out the fire.

The blaze forced several residents to evacuate the building. Residents stood across their homes as they watched firefighters try to contain the flames.

Some residents were very emotional as they watched their homes erupt in flames.

Area resident Julie Avalos said she ran out of her apartment as fast as she could when the fire started.

“From corner of the building caught fire and then within under two minutes, the whole building was under smoke. We don’t know where it started but it spread really quickly,” she said. “My uncle managed to go back for our cat, and a neighbor went back for their dog, because they were still inside, and luckily we have our cat, and our neighbor has their dog.”

In the aftermath, the owner of the complex, Guy Lorenzo, shared his reaction to the fire, as he dealt with what remains of his property.

“The fire came from that apartment there. The door got busted quick, and then the whole inside is burned.” said Lorenzo. “You keep coming back, you know, and then they had to keep going up there, and they keep more water, more water, more water until they can put down the fire.”

However, the damage from the fire will remain, and residents are grateful to be alive.

“There’s nobody injured, nobody, no deaths, no nothing like that, so, that’s all that matters at that point.” said Lagrandeur. “Everybody gets to enjoy the holidays.”

Officials say no injuries were reported from the fire, and investigators are searching into how the fire began. The Red Cross has assisted the families affected by the incident.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

According to Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies, the theft occurred on the evening of Sunday, Nov. 30, near Commercial Boulevard and North Ocean Drive in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.

Deputies shared video of the incident, showing a man with tattoos on his arms walking up to the home and stealing packages from the mailbox and the floor of the front porch.

“Detectives are hoping that by releasing this video, someone will recognize the thief or recognize the vehicle that was involved in this theft,” said BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman.

The homeowner, Hayder Aldahwi, was home when the first package swipe took place. But then he said, the man returned a short time later and targeted his front porch a second time.

It was all caught on his Ring doorbell camera.

“How stupid can you be? Really honest to God. I mean, knowing, ‘OK, there’s a camera,'” he said.

Hayder and his wife Angelina said that inside the stolen packages were his granddaughter’s Mickey Mouse glasses and a litter box. One of the packages was theirs while the other was their neighbors.

However, they say it’s not about the value of the items, but rather the act itself.

“What are you going to get out of it?” said Hayder. “At this time of the year, for somebody to do that, it’s really sad.”

“The best part is all he got was wet cat litter and a pair of sunglasses for my granddaughter,” said Angelina.

Deputies say they are looking for the man and a gray SUV.

They also want to warn others to be careful so something similar doesn’t happen to them.

“It’s the holiday season right now, and so there are a lot of deliveries happening around town, and it serves as a good reminder for people to take extra precautions when they’re getting their packages,” said Grossman. “It happens so much, unfortunately and it’s very frustrating to watch.”

The couple also wants someone out there to recognize the man.

“I hope that his family members or coworker or neighbor says, ‘I know this creep,'” said Angelina. “It makes me scared because the gentlemen was so brazen to come to our house twice.”

If you have any information on this crime, 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.

Megan Lynn Whitcomb, 35, was arrested on Thursday after undercover agents with the Oakland Park Criminal Investigations Unit made an Botox injections appointment with her at her home.

According to the arrest form, Whitcomb began showing the undercover agents vials that require prescriptions before beginning the procedure when she was promptly arrested.

She’s facing two charges of practicing medicine without an active license and using a communication device to facilitate a felony.

Her bond was set at $5,500.

Phillip Ortiz told 7News the scuffle with the 67-year-old man occurred aboard a docked cruise ship last month at PortMiami.

Cellphone video obtained exclusively by 7News shows the scuffle that landed Ortiz in Miami-Dade County jail.

The video shows a struggle over passing through a doorway. The man is seen pushing the door inside while Ortiz is trying to open the door to pass through.

Speaking with 7News, Ortiz said he was trying to allow his family to get through the door.

“Both of my daughters were on the other side of that door,” he said.

However, both his 6- and 14-year-old daughters had previously gone through the door as Ortiz’s wife appears to call them from afar.

During the effort to get past the stranger, the video shows the man putting his hands on Ortiz’s wife, prompting her to kick him away.

“He put his hand on my significant other,” said Ortiz.

The scuffle then escalates when the man closes the door on the couple.

“I’m warning him, stop blocking access to my children,” said Ortiz.

The video then shows Ortiz pushing the door open and lunging toward the man, grabbing his shirt with both hands. The man’s head appears to hit a wall, and then Ortiz pushes the man, and they both fall on the ground.

“My kids are here! I’m not [expletive] around with you! My kids are there!” Ortiz is heard saying in the cellphone video.

The South Florida attorney said he was only thinking about his kids.

“That’s all that was on my mind, was my kids,” he said.

The man stays on the floor, appearing to have been knocked out. Ortiz’s 6-year-old daughter and other members of the party are all then seen walking off.

When police arrive, Ortiz tells them he and his family were headed to their rooms, but says as they tried entering a hallway, the man refused to let them through a door.

Still, Ortiz was placed under arrest and charged with battery of a person over the age of 65.

Weeks later, Ortiz and his lawyer, Stephen Lopez, say it was all self-defense.

“At this point, Philip Ortiz is no longer an attorney. He’s a father, and he’s entitled to self-defense,” said Lopez.

7News has learned Lopez has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

Documents provided by Ortiz’s legal team say the victim, Gary Popiela, told cops he “pushed the girlfriend who pushed me.” He also said he’d been drinking.

But Ortiz said the altercation was all because he was protecting his family.

“I had no other option as a father but to protect my children,” he said.

7News reached out to Popiela but did not hear back.

Lopez said there is more surveillance video showing the fight, and they hope to get it soon.

The Sunbeam Polar Express made several stops across Miramar on Thursday to bring holiday cheer to families and children of all ages.

7News cameras captured Santa Claus sitting in his famous chair, watching the deserving children receive their gifts, and then smiling for photos with them.

It is all part of a partnership between Sunbeam Properties, the Tenants at Miramar Park of Commerce, and Miramar Police. Thursday’s event was the 10th annual Polar Express.

“We have about 80 tenants each year at the Miramar Park of Commerce that participate in this annual Polar Express toy drive,” said Sunbeam Properties Vice President Ryan Goggins. “We count on donations from them and then partner with the City of Miramar Police Department to help distribute.”

While last year the Sunbeam Polar Express collected roughly 3,000 toys, this year, organizers said they collected over 7,000 toys to deliver to these families.

“We have families that really, truly need it and that would benefit from it so we are grateful,” said Yeddi Rodriguez, owner of Life Learning Academy.

Those families in attendance said the event helps them out during this holiday season.

“I’m very appreciative that my children are appreciative and they’re happy and Christmas came early. It’s tough times right now, so this was really worth it. And I’m just thankful for the community coming together,” said a mother.

“Honestly. It’s just great. It’s a great thing they’re doing. Everybody’s getting a chance to get a gift. So for the moms like me, in need, I have twins, so I’m a single mom. But it’s great. It’s great,” said a second mother.

Some of the children were amazed at how many gifts they received.

“I was just expecting maybe one or two gifts. I didn’t expect all of this already,” said one child who was carrying four gifts, including an Uno card set and a football.

Even Santa gave his thoughts on the event to 7News.

“These guys sharing and doing their job and doing extra stuff like this,” he said.

Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss said the community comes together during events like these.

“The reason we can even do this is because the community came together and at the end of the day, that’s what this is all about. It’s about community,” said Moss. “This gives us an opportunity to go when they’re at their best and to spread a little joy.”

With multiple trucks being unloaded, Brent Steffan with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 189 said seeing the smiles on children’s faces across the city makes the event a great cause.

“The officers here, they’re not being paid to be here. They come back on their own time because again, they want to see these families. They want to see the joy on the kid’s face. And all of us want to be here just to give back,” said Steffan.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital held its third annual holiday parade. A festive convoy of fire trucks arrived at the hospital decorated in holiday spirit.

Santa Claus made an appearance as well, taking a ride on a fire truck ladder to wave at the children who watched from their hospital room window inside.

The jolly figure also took the chance to speak to the patients who were able to make it outside about their Christmas wish list.

In a comedic relief for those at the event, the Grinch appeared at the hospital and attempted to steal Santa’s bag of toys and a Christmas tree. But Hollywood Police officers didn’t let him get far and quickly took him into custody, restoring the holiday spirit.

Children who attended the event said it was a magical time.

“Fun!” said one child.

“It feels so nice to be outside and get some fresh air,” said a second child.

Cellphone video posted to social media shows Kiara Bryant repeatedly punching a male employee at the Planet Fitness location at 775 SW 8th St., this past Friday.

Before tensions pumped up, witnesses said, the 35-year-old was visibly and verbally angry inside the gym. Footage shows things escalating as she puts on her socks and shoes to confront the employee.

According to a police report, the victim told officers that Bryant was yelling and acting disorderly in the locker room. When she came to the front entrance, he told her to lower her voice or he would call the police.

The report states the victim told officers that Bryant became more irate and came up to his face. He pushed her back with both hands in self-defense, but he said that only made matters worse.

In the video, Bryant appears to leave the gym, then quickly returns and jumps over the customer service counter to get close to the employee. She then goes on to punch him in the face, hitting him multiple times, as he crouched down and put his hands behind his neck in an attempt to shield his face.

Investigators said that after attacking the employee, she tried to escape in her car but was confronted by bystanders in the parking lot. When she noticed the commotion, she exited her vehicle and began to aggressively try to fight all of them at once until officers arrived.

The violent confrontation ended with the woman in handcuffs and charged with battery and disorderly conduct. The employee was left with a broken nose from the beating.

Friday morning, 7News showed the video to several startled members of this Planet Fitness location.

“That’s insane, it shouldn’t happen,” said a man. “I don’t know what was her reason. The gentleman is OK; I asked.”

“It’s crazy, it’s very crazy,” said another man. “The gym is not for that. It’s for trying, for [getting] healthy. I don’t know.”

In a statement, Planet Fitness spokesperson Heather Pearson wrote:

“The safety of our employees and members is our top priority and we have zero tolerance for violence of any kind in our clubs. We are committed to providing a safe environment. The franchise group worked closely with local police and have cancelled the member in question.”

The employee has since hired Weil Law Firm to represent him. 7News spoke to attorney Alecsander Kohn about the incident.

“He was simply doing his job as he does each and every day,” said Kohn. “Unfortunately, a customer took things too far and engaged in a brutal and vicious battery against him, ultimately fracturing his nose and sending him to the hospital.”

Kohn said the current focus of the case is making sure Bryant is held accountable.

“This course of events transpired simply from a directive to refrain from engaging in loud and disruptive behavior in the gym. She took out her anger against our client,” he said.

The victim has since returned to work.

Bryant has since bonded out of jail.

Opening statements were made on Wednesday in the custody dispute that pits Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson-Kepner, against her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson.

Thomas’s attorney previously said the mother took the children on a cruise that left from Miami against his client’s wishes. He said there are indications that, because the group was in international waters, they could engage in activities they typically wouldn’t in the United States, without specifying what those activities are.

During the hearing, attorneys discussed a parenting plan that involves annual visitation for the children.

“The agreement is very clear. It’s in writing. There’s nothing ambiguous about it. Both parties signed it, as a matter of fact, both parties drafted it themselves, read it, and signed it,” said Millicent Athanason, the stepmother’s attorney.

But both parties argued over the plan and what had been agreed.

“Andrew had told her several days before that he no longer wanted to go with her to Brevard County. His high school was here. All his friends were here. This is where he wanted to stay. At that point, they responded, did not like that particular answer, so she took it upon herself again, never communicating with the petitioner in this case, drove to the high school, and forcibly removed A.H. from the high school,” said attorney Peter J. Molinelli.

“He arrived at the respondent’s residence and started screaming and yelling to the other two minor children to get their ass out there, to come and see him. He was very vulgar and rude with them,” said Athanason.

The hearing ended after attorneys for Anna’s stepmother filed new subpoenas earlier this month.

Attorneys say witnesses from both the Florida Department of Children and Families and Temple Christian School, where Anna was a student, must produce records involving several of their children.

“Told the therapist that the children were afraid of being kidnapped by their father. Mind you, there has never been any issue with either child saying they didn’t want to go with the father before Apr. 22, never any issue with visitation, never any allegations. There’s none of that,” said Molinelli.

This latest court hearing, unrelated to Anna’s death, comes as federal authorities continue to investigate Anna’s death aboard the Carnival Horizon on Nov. 7, after she was found under the bed in her stateroom she shared with her 14-year-old brother and 16-year-old stepbrother.

That 16-year-old stepbrother is the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation.

None of the testimony during Wednesday’s court touched on Anna’s death, the stateroom where she was found, or the investigation.

The launch of the Whole Blood Exchange Program, in partnership with Broward Health Medical Center, received the green light on Tuesday.

“Administration of whole blood in the field prior to the patient being received by the trauma team increases survivability more than 70%. Here in Broward County, we’ve seen survivability rates over 81%. That is truly life-changing results,” said FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan.

Supporters say the program will improve survival rates for patients suffering from severe blood loss.

“This is a program that will undoubtedly save lives in our community. It’s the gift of whole blood,” said Gollan.

Fort Lauderdale joins the Broward Sheriff’s Office and other agencies that already use a whole-blood program, allowing their paramedics to start blood transfusions on patients before they reach the hospital, rather than waiting minutes that could be life-saving.

In attendance at Tuesday’s meeting was 20-year-old Stephen Livingston. He suffered a rollover crash earlier this year when the car he was in collided with a pole in Fort Lauderdale.

“It’s going to save a lot more people like me,” he said.

Andrew Livingston, the 20-year-old’s father, credits his son’s being alive to BSO’s whole blood program and those Fort Lauderdale first responders who pulled him from the wrecked car and immediately began a blood transfusion on scene before rushing him to Broward Health in critical condition.

“He had multiple fractures and wounds all over his body. He’s bleeding out of his ear, internal bleeding. Blood [transplant] was incredible, and that’s what helped keep him alive so the trauma team at Broward Health could do their job and get him back,” he said.

Andrew added that his son had a fighting chance at survival because of the quick work by first responders.

“He didn’t answer God’s call that night, and that’s why he’s here. And the Whole Blood is the whole reason why,” said Andrew.

This new partnership is another tool under FLFR’s belt, which they say will help save lives.

The program is scheduled to be implemented by March.

According to Plantation Police, the officers arrived to find one teen with a gunshot wound to the shoulder and several others running away from the scene on Dec. 8.

Detectives later found a firearm in a nearby Lauderhill canal and arrested the two suspects.

No one was seriously injured in the shooting.

DeShawn Prendergast, with the bridge of his nose bandaged, stood before Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Mindy S. Glazer, late Wednesday morning.

“It’s my first time ever being arrested, Your Honor,” he said.

The New York native said he was only in Miami for tourism, but police say during his stay, he stole a Ferrari, ran from police and crashing the luxury car in Brickell.

The 28-year-old faces a list of charges, including fleeing and eluding police and grand theft auto.

According to investigators, Prendergast crashed a 2024 Ferrari Purosangue that was reported stolen into the power pole in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood, early Tuesday morning.

The impact took out a transformer.

Prendergast managed to not only get out nearly unscathed but run off and hide from police.

Cellphone video recorded by Michael Severino captured the moment of impact near the 1200 block of Southwest Second Avenue.

The bird’s-eye view from the Brickell high-rise Severino calls home shows it all play out.

“It’s so weird, because everything happened so quick,” said Severino. “I was recording reels for my [Instagram], and next thing you know, I see a whole police chase.”

Police said it all began Monday, when residents on North Meridian Avenue in Miami Beach reported that their Ferrari and 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan were stolen while in the care of a transport company.

According to the vehicles’ owners, the transport company stopped answering once the cars were missing.

“Not shocked at all. I mean, it’s a gorgeous car. If it was a Ferrari Purosangue, that’s probably the car I would pick, too,” said Brickell resident Robert Brand.

Detectives said the Rolls-Royce was recovered in an unspecified part of Miami-Dade County, but the Ferrari remained missing.

Then, shortly after midnight on Tuesday, City of Miami Police officers spotted the stolen Ferrari in the area of Southwest Second Avenue and 17th Street.

When the officers tried to make a traffic stop, investigators, Prendergast sped off, but he would not get very far.

“I see the Ferrari turn right here on this street, and he just collides with the cop,” said Severino.

The impact caused the suspect to lose control and slam into the power pole, sending sparks flying and knocking out the electricity in several homes.

“All of a sudden I hear a loud boom, and then all of the lights went really bright,” said Brand. “My microwave started making noises, and then everything just shut off immediately, and my whole apartment was without power.”

Cellphone video shows police running after Prendergast after, detectives said, he tried to hide in a nearby apartment building.

Eventually, police said, Prendergast surrendered, and after being treated at the hospital for a gash, he was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade.

In court Wednesday, Glazer said Prendergast should face additional charges.

“It looks like he also should have been charged with resisting without [violence] — he wasn’t — ’cause he fled from the police after he exited the vehicle,” she said.

Prendergast’s bond was set at $12,000. It has since been paid, and he is expected to be released later on Wednesday.

As of Wedneday afternoon, Miami Beach Police have not said whether the theft was part of an elaborate car theft ring or an isolated incident. They also haven’t specified how Prendergast got to drive the Ferrari in the first place and whether or not he works for the transportation company.

Derek Rosa, who was 13-years-old when he was accused of fatally stabbing his mother over two years ago, appeared virtually where he was asked by the judge presiding over his case if he’s doing OK with his defense team.

“If you have any difficulty with your lawyers, or you feel that they’re not doing what they’re required to do, and you want me to know about it, please tell them to bring that to you,” said Judge Richard Hersch.

The question came weeks after one of his defense attorneys withdrew from the case. Rosa, however, told Hersch that he had no issues with his representation.

“Your Honor, I would prefer if Ms. Dayliset would speak for me because I trust her with my thoughts,” said Rosa.

Hersch then said he will make a decision soon as to whether Rosa needs a competency determination.

“I am concerned whether I need to order up a competency determination of your client,” said Hersch. “I will address that on [January] 23rd, unto any objections to this court doing so,” he said.

According to police said that Irnia Garcia was stabbed more than 40 times while she was sleeping in her bedroom at their Hialeah apartment in 2023, next to her newborn baby, who was unharmed. Officials say that Rosa called 911 and confessed to the crime.

Prosecutors suggest Rosa may have been motivated by horror movies such as “Friday the 13th” and violence, a theory rejected by his defense team.

Rosa has pleaded not guilty to the alleged crimes.

Despite Rosa’s defense team asking for more time to prepare for trial, the judge said the process will move forward and his trial is scheduled for Jan. 26.

Mary Faiso, founder of the Sugar 4 Kids Foundation, said she and her team were getting ready for Sunday’s event at Wilbur B. Bell Park along Southwest 172nd Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade when she faced a sad discovery.

“I have been doing this for going on 10 years. Parking these trucks here prior to the toy drive,” said Faiso.

Video shows organizers showing off a long line of bicycles and U-Haul trucks filled with toys ahead of the event.

“One-thousand toys. We bring out 500 bicycles, hoverboards. Every year we do this for these children,” said Faiso.

But this year, when she arrived on Saturday to put the finishing touches on the event, she found one of the trucks had been broken into.

“When we went to the third truck, this lock was cut. It was cut and the back was raised,” she said. “It broke my heart because it’s not easy what we do out here. It’s not easy at all.”

She shared photos with 7News of the items that were stolen, including unboxed hoverboards and other children toys.

Now, Faiso wants to know who could be so heartless around the holidays to steal joy from children.

“It hurts these kids as well as it hurts me. But why would you take from the kids of your community? Why would you take, period?” she said. “I don’t understand it. I don’t understand it.”

For next year’s event, she said she will develop a new security plan.

“We can’t stop. We have to show these thieves that no matter what they did that particular day, we will continue to help these girls and boys. We will continue to be there for them,” said Faiso.

If you have any information on this crime, 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.

Miami Police and the FBI said they dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking organization as part of a mission dubbed “Operation PRIMO.”

Officers took around 20 people named in recent federal indictments into custody.

Detectives seized over 22 kilograms of cocaine, $120,000 in cash and firearms from the organization.

Students and mentors from the team’s School-to-Work program visited the Lotus House Women’s Shelter and the newly built Children’s Village to prepare and serve meals and provide support for residents ahead of the holidays.

The group spent the day assembling holiday gifts, preparing meals, and supporting the teaching team at Urgent Academy, one of the two schools housed within the newly constructed Children’s Village.

Heat staff say this community involvement will help the students in the long run.

“Being able to expose these kids to the right guidance with our staff, as well as the activities that can help them go back home and have a sense of perspective, appreciation, and empowerment to tackle their own obstacles both in the classroom as well as out,” said Erick Torres, Manager of Social Responsibility at Miami Heat.

Under the program, high school students learn career-guiding skills through workshops.

Speaking with 7News on Tuesday, Andy Plaza said he’s happy he took action to come to his neighbor’s aid.

“I’m glad I came outside, you know, to assess her, and I’m glad I followed my instincts,” he said.

According to Hialeah Police, the victim was sexually attacked at knifepoint inside the laundry room of the apartment complex located along West Okeechobee Road, Dec. 9.

The woman’s screams alerted Plaza, who immediately sprang into action.

Plaza’s instincts and quick actions saved his neighbor from a terrifying situation.

“It was around 2:30 in the morning, and I hear a scream; it came down from the laundry room, so I went to check it out,” he said.

The good Samaritan arrived to what was a brutal assault inside the laundry room.

“She was just pushed against it, and the guy was leaning behind her with her pants down,” said Plaza. “He had a knife close to her body.”

Plaza said the man took off running when he realized that he wasn’t alone.

Detectives used surveillance video from the area, and days later, were able to track down her attacker, whom they identified as 21-year-old Luis Rodas-Martinez.

“Through video surveillance, our detectives were able to find videos, still images of him, and work in the streets, were able to identify him,” said Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez.

Rodas-Martinez was arrested and charged with attempted sexual battery and kidnapping with a weapon. He appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Monday.

“He’s using a knife to try and forcefully sexually batter the victim,” said Glazer as she read the police report.

Plaza said his neighbor was shaken but grateful and told him that his actions saved her.

“She wanted to thank my wife, you know, my mother-in-law, that I pretty much saved her life,” he said.

While Rodas-Martinez sits behind bars, police said they fear more victims who have not yet come forward could still be out there.

“As an abundance of caution, we are asking the community, take a look at him. If you feel that you’ve been a victim of this man, please contact detectives as soon as possible,” said Rodriguez.

If you or someone you know believes to be a victim of Rodas-Martinez, 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.

Surveillance video captured the moment of impact, as a 2024 Ferrari Purosangue slams into the light pole, literally causing sparks to fly, early Tuesday morning.

Seconds later, the screen goes white, because the transformer blew up, causing the power to go out in the area.

“It seems like it lights all the city,” said witness Andre Lermakov.

“I was sitting in my living room, on my laptop doing a bit of work, and all of a sudden I hear a loud boom, and then all of the lights went really bright,” said area resident Robert Brand. “My microwave started making noises, and then everything just shut off immediately, and my whole apartment was without power.”

7DroneForce hovered above the dark colored Ferrari, smashed and mangled. There was a wooden beam going through the driver’s side window.

According to Miami Beach Police, this all started when they responded to the reported theft of the Ferrari and a 2025 Rolls-Royce Cullinan along the 4200 block of North Meridian Avenue, at around 5:30 p.m. on Monday.

The owner of the Ferrari and the Rolls-Royce told 7News said they had hired a company to wrap the cars, adding they had used this company for years.

The vehicles’ owner believes the company hired a third-party transportation company to deliver the cars, and they believe the transportation company might have been behind the theft.

Miami Beach Police said that several hours later the owner of the company hired to wrap the Ferrari and Rolls-Royce called the vehicles’ owner to report they never arrived.

The vehicles’ owner said the transportation company stopped answering their phone.

Detectives said the Cullinan was recovered in an unspecified part of Miami-Dade County, but the Ferrari remained missing.

“Not shocked at all. I mean, it’s a gorgeous car. If it was a Ferrari Purosangue, that’s probably the car I would pick, too,” said Brand.

Early Tuesday morning, City of Miami Police said, the vehicle’s owner was able to ping the vehicle to the area of Southwest Second Avenue and 17th Street in Miami.

Responding officers spotted the subject getting into the Ferrari and driving off, investigators said, prompting them to conduct a traffic stop.

The driver took off, but he wouldn’t get very far. Police said he collided with a police cruiser, then lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the light pole.

“You know, it’s like you see [“Grand Theft Auto”] in real life,” said Lermakov.

Miraculously, the man was able to get out of the Ferrari, unscathed, and take off on foot.

“Like, I’m wondering how he was able to come out. Like, it looks like he’s kind of Houdini or someone. I don’t know,” said Lermakov.

The 28-year-old was not quite Houdini.

“Once that subject exited his vehicle, after the crash took place, he did a tip to conceal himself, at which point [officers] no longer had eyes on him,” said Miami Police spokesperson Kiara Delva.

Michael Severino witnessed the pursuit and subsequent crash from his 25th-floor balcony. Luckily, he had his phone camera rolling when it all unfolded.

“Everything happened so quick. I was just recording some reels for my Instagram and next thing you know, I see a whole police chase,” he said. “I see the Ferrari turn right here on this street and he collides with the cop and started drifting and lost control and crashed into a light pole.”

He said his video went viral on Instagram after he posted it.

Cellphone video captured officers with flashlights after they set up a perimeter.

“They were trying to look around and find [the driver] in the bushes. They were using flashlights and riding around that area,” said Iermakov.

“Let’s go ahead and see if county has K-9 out here and if not, let’s see if we can get our K-9 out here,” said an officer via police scanner.

Officers were able to track down and apprehend the subject shortly after. They say the man tried hiding in a nearby apartment building.

Paramedics transported the subject to Jackson Memorial Hospital with minor lacerations.

Back at the scene, cellphone video recorded by a witness shows multiple Miami Police units near Southwest Second Avenue, between 12th and 13th streets.

No other injuries were reported.

“Fortunately, no other innocent bystanders were injured as a result of this incident,” said Delva. “However, this could have taken a very tragic turn, so we’re very thankful that this subject was ultimately apprehended, and we can now charge him accordingly.”

The Ferrari has since been towed from the scene.

On Tuesday morning, 7News cameras captured Florida Power & Light crews lifting the toppled pole, as they attempted to get it back up and running.

The man was identified as DeShawn Prendergast, a New York native. He was booked into jail after being treated at the hospital.

He was charged with grand theft, running from police, among other charges.

Police are attempting to determine who was involved in this theft and whether it was a part of an elaborate car theft ring or an isolated incident.

Prendergast remains behind bars as of Tuesday night as a bond has not been set for one of his charges.

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.

Detectives say 27-year-old Tania Charles was found dead last Friday morning in the area of Southwest 170th Street and 98th Avenue.

Upon arrival from deputies, there was no sign of any suspect in the area.

Officials are now investigating what led up to her death.

If you have any information on this crime, 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.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue units responded to the intersection of Northwest 119th Street and 22nd Avenue on Monday morning in Northwest Miami-Dade.

The crash caused one of the cars to rollover and hit a pole.

7News cameras the front of the car a total loss.

It’s unclear what led up to the crash, but deputies believe it may have been a hit and run as the driver of the second vehicle did not remain on scene or contact 911 for assistance.

The woman is in stable condition.

An investigation is underway.

Luis Antonio Rodas-Martinez was taken into custody Sunday at his home at 1255 West Okeechobee Road following an investigation by the Hialeah Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit.

According to the arrest report, officers were dispatched shortly after 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 9 to investigate an attempted armed sexual battery.

The victim told police she was doing laundry when Rodas-Martinez approached her armed with a knife, pinned her against a washer, and held the weapon to her upper torso while attempting to forcefully remove her clothing and sexually assault her against her will, the report states.

“The victim was inside her laundry room, inside her complex, when Rodas walks in, armed with a knife, pushes her up against the machine and attempts to rape her,” said Hialeah Police Lt. Eddie Rodriguez.

Investigators said the victim began yelling for help, drawing the attention of a nearby witness who saw the suspect holding the victim against the washer with a knife before fleeing through the parking lot.

Police said surveillance video from the area captured images of the suspect, and detectives later identified Rodas-Martinez as the alleged attacker through witness statements, video evidence, and information from residents of the apartment complex.

“Through video surveillance, our detectives were able to find video, still images of him, and work in the streets to identify and locate him at home and take him into custody,” said Rodriguez.

He was arrested at home in the same apartment complex where the alleged attack took place.

He was transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center and faces felony charges, including attempted armed sexual battery, causing serious personal injury, and armed kidnapping, police said.

Now, police are asking the community to come forward if they were a victim of Rodas-Martinez.

“As an abundance of caution, we are asking the community to take a look at him. If you feel that you’ve been a victim of this man, please contact detectives as soon as possible,” said Rodriguez.

If you are a victim of this defendant, 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.

Twenty-two-year-old Jason Banegas sat with a straight face and shook his head toward his defense attorney after he learned the jury had spared him of the death penalty.

“Jason Banegas will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. So say we all this 15th day of December 2025, Fort Lauderdale, Florida,” said the foreperson.

7News cameras captured the families of the victim and defendant walking out of the courtroom speechless after the verdict was read.

After the verdict was read, Lien Lafargue, Banegas’ defense attorney, said she’s glad jurors spared his life.

“I think I didn’t know if I had said everything that I needed to say, but I’m thankful that I was able to save his life,” she said.

The death penalty phase lasted a little over a week as jurors decided the fate of Banegas who pled guilty to shooting and killing an on-duty Hollywood Police officer four years ago.

At the time, 28-year-old Officer Yandy Chirino was responding to reports of a suspicious person near North Hills Drive in Hollywood when he spotted then-18-year-old Banegas. The two of them struggled before Banegas shot Chirino twice in the face.

Earlier on Monday, both the prosecution and the defense presented their closing arguments at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale.

Prosecutors said that Banegas shot the Chirino, 28, twice. He knew that carrying a gun and committing crimes was wrong, prosecutors argued, and that he knew he was taking the life of another human being.

“The solution to not being considered a monster is not breaking into cars with a gun, it’s not shooting a police officer in the line of duty and taking his life,” prosecutor Stephen Zaccor said during his closing arguments.

The defense told jurors that life in prison without the opportunity or the possibility of parole should be the fair and just verdict here as Banegas was only 18 when he committed the crime.

“The death penalty that they are asking you to command of somebody that was a child at the time of the offense,” said Lafargue. “The problem is that he didn’t have a hero. But you, each and every one of you can be heroes.”

Hollywood Police Chief Jeffrey Devlin appeared in the courtroom multiple days to witness the hearing, but after the verdict he also walked away without providing comment.

The judge will return in February to formally sentence Banegas.

Jennifer Jimenez, a teacher at South Miami Senior High School, has been nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award, one of the music industry’s most prestigious awards. She has been teaching at South Miami for 17 years.

7News got an inside look at one of her music classes, and it’s easy to figure out why she would be nominated.

“It’s way better soft-wise, but it cannot drag,” Jimenez said to her students.

She doesn’t jazz around or miss a beat.

“Keep it pushing forward. One more time,” the teacher said during class instruction.

Inside the band room, Jimenez fine-tunes her student musicians until the percussion is perfect, the drum is on beat, and every student is in harmony.

“Last note,” the Grammy-nominated teacher said during practice. “OK, so in the end, make sure you’re releasing those notes.”

Her attention to detail is exactly why this South Miami Senior High School teacher is being recognized on a national stage.

“They want to see how you are, how your students are in class, how they respond to you,” said Jimenez.

For the second year in a row, Jimenez has been nominated for the Grammy Music Educator Award.

Out of more than 2,000 nominees, just 10 finalists remain. This is also the second time Jimenez has made the final 10.

“Getting jobs, keeping jobs, developing those teamwork skills and those soft skills that employers look for — Music does all of that, and it’s one of the main vehicles that students can learn those skills,” she later told 7News.

What makes Jimenez’s teaching award worthy is that she listens with a keen ear, not just to the notes played but to the musicians behind the instruments.

Alisson Martinez, a senior at South Miami Senior High, plays the flute and the piccolo and has been in band all four years under Jimenez.

“I would consider her my second mother,” she said.

Izabella Tapanes, another senior at South Miami Senior High, plays the clarinet. She is also the woodwind captain and one of Jimenez’s assistants.

“Every student has a different way of speaking, a different way of dressing, of being — just being,” said Tapanes. “And she is so very welcoming.”

And if the Grammys decided the winner by student feedback alone, they’d award her the gold trophy in a beat.

“Obviously, it’s super rewarding for her, but it’s super rewarding for us as well, because she does so much,” Tapanes said.

“So I hope she actually gets to go and be there, and we’ll be supporting her just like she supports us,” Martinez said.

Despite the national recognition, Jimenez said the nomination is not about her, it’s about shining a spotlight on her students and community.

“I would love nothing more than to have Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the City of Miami, our community, and our students be elevated to a national level. I think that’s the focus, and that’s the goal,” Jimenez said.

Jimenez hopes to hit all the right notes and take home the Grammy award in February. She said the winner will be notified privately in January before traveling to Los Angeles for the ceremony.

According to Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies, shots were fired near Southwest 151st Avenue and 80th Street, close to Pinecrest Academy South Charter.

Students were sent outside the campus as a precaution.

Officers responded to the area and found bullet casings, but no signs of a victim or the person who pulled the trigger.

There was no threat to the school.

In a statement, the school said:

“Earlier today, Pinecrest Academy South initiated a lockdown after gunshots were reported in the immediate area surrounding our campus. We want to emphasize that the incident did not occur on school grounds, and at no point were our students or staff in danger. Everyone remained safe and secure in their classrooms. The lockdown has since been lifted and students were dismissed to their parents/guardians.”

James Manitaras said a chore he had done many times before turned into a dangerous decision on Wednesday. He was blowing leaves off his roof when he slipped and hung on for dear life until rescue arrived.

“Since I have so much foliage around here, I get up on the roof and blow it off,” he said. “So I decided I would get down and crawl it. Unfortunately, because of the pitch of the roof, every time I would roll over, I would go more towards the edge of the roof.”

Soon enough, he realized his legs were hanging off the side of his home, and there was no way to get back up.

Luckily, a neighbor saw him in need of help and quickly called 911.

“My neighbor just happened to walk out and saw my legs over the side of the house and called 911,” said Manitaras.

Within minutes, Tampa Police and Fire Rescue units responded to his home.

“As soon as I heard the sirens, I thought Oh yes, this is just what I need,” said Manitaras.

Body camera footage captures officers holding the man’s arms and pulling him back up onto the roof.

“You gotta reach up, reach up, we’ve got you,” said the officers in the body camera video.

The elderly man said that if it had not been for the quick actions of the first responders and his neighbor, he would’ve fallen three stories.

“It would have been a hard landing,” said Manitaras.

Now that he is back on solid ground, he said his wife has warned him to avoid getting on the roof and to have someone else complete that chore for him.

“She’s been on me for years not to do it. But when you build a home, and you go up there, and you blow it every year or twice a year, you get confident,” said Manitaras.

He said the worst-case scenario occurred, leaving him tired and sore.

“I was truly the victim of that,” he said.

But he’s thankful for the group of officials who rescued him.

“I’ve said thank you so many times. I wouldn’t be standing here if it weren’t for them,” said Manitaras.

As for the next time his roof is filled with foliage, he says he will listen to his wife and hire someone else to get the job done.

The memo highlights several changes amid a shrinking district budget and declining enrollment in the county.

Under BCPS Superintendent Dr. Howard Hepburn’s plan, Sunshine Elementary in Miramar would close, and those students would move to Fairway Elementary.

Students from Panther Run Elementary in Pembroke Pines would be moved to Chapel Trail Elementary, students from Blair Middle in Sunrise would be sent to Westpine Middle, and students from Seagull Alternative High School in Fort Lauderdale would be moved to Whiddon Rogers Education Center.

Palm Cove Elementary in Pembroke Pines would also close, with students moving to Pine Lakes Elementary. Additionally, Plantation Middle School would close, and students would be transferred to Plantation High School, which would become a grade 6-12 school.

North Fork Elementary School would also be on the chopping block, with those students sent to Walker Elementary or split among four schools.

“It’s the beginning of a process of right-sizing our facilities so that we can have the right amount of money being spent on painting, carpentry, and plumbing as we do on educating our students,” said Broward School Board Member Dr. Allen Zeman.

Zeman said the school district is also building new facilities in the new year and laid out other plans.

“We’ve got two more coming next year already. We’ve got a new K-8 opening in Pembroke Pines. As a result of that, there’s two dramatically under enrolled elementary schools identified later this year that will close in a subsequent year, not until 2027-2028 year, but it’s seven [schools] today,” he said.

This past Monday, at a school district workshop, Hepburn said the district has lost 9,000 students over the past year and has a nearly $95 million budget shortfall.

“We have to take drastic measures to make sure our fund balance remains in a good state and we can continue to provide the same level of service to our students and families,” said Hepburn.

While change is coming, school board officials say it is for the better.

“It may be a mile or two farther, but it’ll have better education going on. It’ll have more programs going on. It’ll be operated in a way that allows their student to do more, different things, activities, and sports. So at the end of the day, even though it may be inconvenient to go to a different school, and I recognize that fully, your student is gonna be going to a better school if you’re directly affected by these closures today,” said Zeman.

The school board will convene in January to make a final decision on Hepburn’s recommendations.

Multiple law enforcement agencies descended on the residential neighborhood along the 6100 block of Northwest Second Street in Margate on Thursday afternoon where a pursuit that began in Hollywood ended.

According to Seminole Police, it all began at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood where the subject, identified as 27-year-old Carlos Robinson, grabbed cash out of the hand of a patron. No one was hurt at the casino.

Robinson then took deputies and other responding agencies on a pursuit across different areas before ending in Margate.

That’s when, deputies say, Robinson refused commands to exit his car and opened fire on the deputies, prompting multiple deputies to return fire.

“The suspect was armed in the car and fired a shot at the deputy,” said BSO spokesperson Miranda Grossman.

Surveillance video from a camera recorded the gunshots.

One deputy was hit by the gunfire and the suspect was also injured in the shooting.

“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.

7Skyforce hovered above the scene, where a SWAT vehicle was seen next to the black car, which was riddled with bullets. 

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.

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.

Robinson faces multiple charges including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, shooting into an occupied dwelling, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and resisting arrest with violence, as well as an active warrant out of Palm Beach County.

The six deputies who fired their weapons are on administrative assignment pending the investigation.

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

Jose Luis Antigua-Martinez, 60, was charged with three counts of child sex abuse.

Hialeah Police officers arrived at the warehouse located at 8288 West Eighth Avenue on Thursday afternoon to serve a warrant for the defendant’s arrest.

According to the warrant, Antigua-Martinez was caught on video pleasuring himself while inappropriately touching a minor sleeping in his home over the past four months.

The minor said she would suddenly awake in the middle of the night with sensations that someone was touching her. When she shared her concerns with the defendant, she said he would tell her that it was a ghost living in the apartment.

The victim then left her phone recording one night while sleeping and found the defendant allegedly engaging in lewd behavior in front of her.

Investigators said Antigua-Martinez had been sleeping at the warehouse for two days after his wife kicked him out of their home. When officers arrived at the scene and identified themselves, Antigua-Martinez barricaded himself inside and pointed a handgun to his head, indicating suicidal ideation.

After a long standoff with SWAT personnel and a crisis negotiation team, detectives said, the suspect surrendered.

While being questioned, police said the defendant invoked his right to council and said “he was framed.”

In his court appearance, he was denied bond.

If convicted, Antigua-Martinez could face a life sentence.

Santa showed off his signing skills in a special holiday meet and greet held at Dolphin Mall on Thursday morning.

Hearing impaired children got the chance to take pictures with the Jolly Old Elf and let him know what’s on their wish list this Christmas.

“It’s special because they’re all children that are hard of hearing so the fact that they can be able to communicate with Santa Claus in their own language is really important,” said Madelyn Bello Calvar, Marketing Sponsorship Director at Dolphin Mall.

The heartwarming celebration combined the magic of the holiday season with inclusivity and awareness.

Tampa Police officers responded to the home on Wednesday.

According to officials, the man was blowing leaves off his roof when he slipped and hanged on the edge of his roof until responders arrived.

The officers pulled him to safety and stayed with him until firefighters arrived to help him back down to the ground.

Tampa Fire Rescue units responded to the flames on Wednesday morning.

Officials say the docked boat erupted in flames and partially sank.

Video posted to social media shows fire crews spreading water across the boat.

Firefighters were able to contain the flames and protect nearby vessels.

Luckily, nobody was on board and no one was hurt.

It’s unclear what may have sparked the fire.

According to Florida Highway Patrol and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the crash occurred on the northbound lanes of the Turnpike exit at Northwest 57th Avenue in Miramar on Thursday afternoon.

The person was rushed to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

Two lanes were blocked for several hours as crews cleaned up the mess. All lanes have since reopened.

According to representatives from the school district, Henry McNabb and Brenton Hankerson are accused of improperly using district facilities for their own profit.

Arrest affidavits say both men hosted events on several campuses, including Blanche Ely High School, Coral Springs High School, and Hollywood Hills, on several different dates without going through the proper channels to rent out the gyms. Instead, they entered into private agreements with outside basketball associations.

According to the affidavit, both coaches “…benefited financially from these private agreements while exposing the district to severe liability and safety concerns.”

The alleged crimes took place between April and June, according to the arrest affidavit.

Both men are well-known coaches in Broward County.

One of those people who knows at least one of them is Delvin King, the Executive Director and Principal of a private school in Pompano Beach. He shared body camera video with 7News of his interaction with deputies after he called 911 to report an incident that happened in May involving McNabb.

According to King, he rented out the large gym at Blanche Ely for a high school graduation ceremony. He arrived, set up early, and then left. When he returned, he said he found an ongoing basketball tournament that he says was not supposed to be happening.

“There were a lot of people there, they were collecting money at the door, all of my chairs were moved, the decorations were messed up, they actually damaged some decorations,” he said.

He said the school’s assistant principal told him he was the only one allowed in the gym.

“He said, ‘Nobody should be on that campus. You’re the only one who has a rental in the gym. There should be Nobody there,” said King.

King said McNabb was the only one of the two men arrested whom he saw that day.

“I wanted to speak out because it isn’t fair that our graduation and our things had to be destroyed because someone wanted to make a personal gain,” he said.

Authorities say these are two separate cases, and it remains unclear if they were working together on the alleged scheme.

In a statement to 7News, district officials said:

“Both employees in question were arrested by Broward Schools Police as part of an investigations into the improper use of district facilities for personal gain. The Superintendent maintains a zero-tolerance stance on public corruption, and both employees will be subject to termination.”

In his court appearance earlier on Thursday, McNabb’s attorney told the judge he is a model citizen.

“He has significant ties to the community. He is a resident of Broward County, has been one for his entire life,” said an attorney.

When Hankerson appeared in front of the judge early Thursday, he shook his head in disbelief when he was read his charges.

“One count organized scheme to defraud $20,000 or less and grand theft in excess of $10,000, but less than $20,000,” said the judge.

The judge issued a stay-away order against McNabb from all Broward County schools.

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.

Sixty-eight-year-old Gregory McKnight filled Broward Health Medical Center’s cafeteria with music on Thursday.

During his visit, he surprised his trauma surgeon who kept him alive and able to play his saxophone again, in a full-circle moment following his health scare.

“If it wasn’t for Dr. [Jose] Lozada, I wouldn’t be able to play my horn anymore,” said McKnight.

McKnight, a Vietnam veteran, was worried he would never be able to play his instrument ever again after he was run over by a U-Haul truck in 2021 and was taken to Broward Health with severe life threatening injuries.

“He got hit by a U-Haul, protecting his wife. He pushed his wife out of the way and took the whole hit of the U-Haul,” said Lozada.

The doctor said he made it his mission to help the victim regain his mobility and his quality of life.

“I wasn’t only worried about having you be alive, but also having your life back,” said Lozada.

On Thursday, Lozada was surprised by McKnight when he performed for him as a way of showing his gratitude for saving his life all those years ago.

“I really can’t say this enough, I can’t thank Lozada,” said McKnight.

Lozada and McKnight shared a moment together as the performer said he is not only surviving, but is also thriving.

“For me, this is the best reward I can have. When you’re back playing that saxophone, that is going to be my gift,” said Lozada.

“Thank god, and thank you,” McKnight told the doctor.

“I think today is proving the fact that you got your life back,” said Lozada.

Now, McKnight is back making music and grateful for a second chance at life.

7News cameras captured Miramar Police officers bringing large boxes of toys to the Miramar Park of Commerce, late Thursday morning. The finishing touches were being put ahead of Sunbeam Properties’ 10th annual Polar Express, which is set to deliver toys and smiles to deserving kids.

“We have about 80 tenants each year at the Miramar Park of Commerce that participate in this annual Polar Express toy drive,” said Sunbeam Properties Vice President Ryan Goggins. “We count on donations from them and then partner with the City of Miramar Police Department to help distribute.”

All throughout the morning, one after the other, boxes were dropped off at the venue. The gifts will be handed out to Miramar families next week, ahead of the holidays.

“We come up with a theme every year. This year’s theme is ‘Fiesta of Giving,'” said Goggins. “We try to make it something that’s exciting, something that’s fun to bring the community together to support a great event.”

Those tenants Goggins mentioned told 7News they can’t wait to spread holiday cheer to all these families.

“I feel so happy, and the company is happy to contribute with them,” said Jennifer Mara with Jamaica Aerospace.

“It’s giving back to those who don’t have, to those that are in need, and it’s just a good feeling to be part of it,” said Miguel Capeles, Facilities Manager with Caterpillar.

“To assist Sunbeam, the Park of Commerce, to be able to gather toys and go out into the community and find those people who need help around the holidays, especially, is the ultimate meaning of being able to give back to your community,” said Brent Steffan with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 189.

Last year, the Sunbeam Polar Express collected roughly 3,000 toys. This year, organizers said they hope to collect even more.

“There’s a lot of needy kids out there, a lot of needy families, and this is a great way of giving back,” said Capeles.

On Thursday afternoon, the trucks began to make their way to the Miramar Police Department.

“This is a chance to see people at their best, build relationships and we get the help of the business community,” said Miramar Police Chief Delrish Moss. “Sunbeam, the Ansin Family, have been tremendous in helping us organize this and like I said, for us it’s the best time of the year.”

Next week, officers will go out into community and deliver these toys.

Peter Scott Parker tried to cover his face and avoid 7News cameras as he walked out of the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on Thursday night.

“Mr. Parker, anything to say?” asked a 7News photographer.

According to Miami Beach Police, the 65-year-old from Vero Beach turned himself in to authorities on Wednesday after being accused of a bizarre boosting of a compressor.

As he walked out of jail, a man walking behind him kept insisting to the cameras that 7News was recording the wrong guy.

“That’s not him. Hey! That’s not him. Relax. Relax. No, that’s not him,” said an inmate.

But it is Parker, the CEO of the American Building Group, who made his first court appearance on Thursday morning to face his charges of grand theft and criminal mischief.

“He stole an air compressor worth $80,000,” said Judge Mindy S. Glazer.

Miami Beach Police officials said they identified the suspect’s truck as the one seen pulling away on Dec. 5 with a compressor used for concrete restoration at a condo he owns at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 16th Street.

Anthony Son is the owner of Ti Con Building System. His company had been in charge of the concrete restoration of the condo building when his construction crews left the compressor behind a locked gate on the property.

The compressor was reported stolen early Friday and recovered in the afternoon. Police found it at a home in Virginia Gardens.

“They dragged it out, connected it to a truck, and then drove away with it,” said Son in an interview with 7News after he reported the compressor stolen.

A witness who was nearby snapped a couple of photos before handing them over to the police, which helped them in their investigation and led them to Parker.

When police finally spoke to Parker, prosecutors told the judge in bond court that he had a story to tell.

“It’s kind of a weird set of facts. His statement was that it was in his parking spot and he’s upset, and he moved it,” she said.

Parker’s attorney, Arthur Jones, meanwhile, said the dispute stemmed from a dispute over his client’s parking space.

“He has a home in Vero Beach, but he also has the local address here at that condo there,” said Jones. “This is an ongoing civil dispute with the association who keeps telling the construction company to park the equipment and trailers in his parking spot. And it goes back for several years, so it’s really a civil matter.”

The prosecutor quickly pushed back on it.

“So it’s not civil because he didn’t have permission to take the victim’s property,” she said.

Ultimately, Jones was successful in getting his client released without needing to pay a bond.

Parker is due back in court on Feb. 9.

Twenty-five critically endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles arrived at the hospital from New England after colder-than-usual waters left them stunned.

Volunteers flew the stranded turtles to sunny Marathon to warm up and receive treatment.

The hospital manager, Bette Zirkelbach, said these turtles are ectothermic and could experience cold stunnings in water.

“Temperatures below 55 degrees water temperature, it slows down their metabolism. They get similar symptoms as a human would with hypothermia, so some of these animals are critical; They have pneumonia,” she said.

Zirkelbach added that, as a critically endangered species, these turtles may become extinct within our lifetimes.

In a video testimony shown in court on Wednesday, Ingrid Villanueva Pineda described her life being trafficked as a child by the man who would eventually become the father of her son, Jason Banegas. She said she was a teenager when she gave birth to her son despite the demands of his father.

“I didn’t want to abort my child. That was everything to me,” she said.

Villanueva Pineda described Banegas’s tumultuous childhood, filled with ups and downs. She said stealing was part of growing up in his Miami neighborhood and that depression had already set in before he witnessed his best friend get shot and killed in front of him.

“He’d cry for nothing, he’d cry for anything and everything. ‘What’s wrong with your son?'” the mother said in the video testimony.

After she described a tumultuous childhood, Villanueva Pineda asked the presiding judge and the jury to save her son.

Following her testimony, Xinnia Zapata, a family friend who took the stand while wearing a cotton mask, told similar stories of dysfunctional adults, violence, and poverty.

“I’ve seen what his mother and other adults have done to him,” she said through an interpreter. “But everybody shut the door on him, and I know that he is not the boy that is sitting over there.”

Banegas was just 18 years old when he shot and killed Hollywood Police Officer Yandy Chirino in the Emerald Hills neighborhood on Oct. 17, 2021.

Chirino was responding to possible burglary calls when he got into a scuffle with Banegas, who is now 23. Chirino suffered two gunshot wounds and was taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

He has since pleaded guilty to this charge, and it’s up to the jury to decide whether or not he should be sentenced to life in prison without parole or if he should die by lethal injection.

“My son isn’t perfect, and I beg you to spare his life. He has psychological problems, and I ask for forgiveness on behalf of my son,” said Villanueva Pineda in Spanish. “Please don’t take my son’s life. Give him another chance, because what happened was an accident. My son has never been inhuman. He has always been a very humble person, and I ask the judge to please spare his life.”

Additional members of Banegas’ family and loved ones are expected to take the stand as they try to convince the presiding jury to recommend life in prison.

Chirino’s family also provided emotional impact statements in recent days.

If the jury recommends death, it would have to be eight of the 12 jurors, and only then can the judge sentence him to death in the state of Florida.

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.

In a statement, the unidentified healthcare worker said the situation escalated quickly.

“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,” she wrote.

The video was recorded by Miami Herald reporter David Goodhue, who witnessed the detainment of the woman on Dec. 3. As agents dragged her on the floor, she yelled she was a U.S. citizen.

“I’m a U.S. citizen. Please help me! This is unfair. Why are you doing this to me?” she said.

The woman’s screams and story sparked international attention.

“I think they’re asking her for her ID. Didn’t appear like she had her identification on her, and then, after a while, things got rough, as you can see,” said Goodhue in an interview with 7News after his video went viral.

The woman’s statement addressed this moment, where she said: “Before I could even reach for my driver’s license, the individuals surrounding my vehicle threatened to break my window, creating fear and pressure instead of allowing me a moment to comply. Their tone and actions made it extremely difficult to remain calm or feel safe.”

The video shows the woman being handcuffed and put into an SUV before being released minutes later. She said the men who detained her never told her who they were, and their vehicle had no visible identification.

“Being surrounded by masked, unidentified men was terrifying. I have seen many incidents online of people impersonating law enforcement, and in that moment, I panicked. My body began shaking, and I went into severe anxiety and possibly a panic attack, genuinely afraid for my safety,” she wrote.

At the end of her statement, the woman said what happened to her should not be taking place in America. She wrote:

“I want to make something absolutely clear: This is not the America that I grew up in, and this is not the America that we represent. I refuse to allow anyone, identified or not, to violate my rights or strip away my dignity.”

U.S. Customs and Border Protection said the woman refused to comply with repeated orders to identify herself and that she was driving her boyfriend’s car, a man the agency said is in the country illegally.

Officials added that once the woman’s identity was confirmed, she was “promptly released.”