A man accused of a shooting in Hialeah was arrested at Miami International Airport (MIA) after authorities managed to divert the plane he was trying to flee to Cuba on, local media reported.
The detainee was identified as Daniel Odio-Suárez, 36, who faces charges of second-degree attempted murder, according to Miami-Dade County jail records.
Shooting at a Hialeah coffee shop leaves one man seriously injured
The armed attack occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday at the La Lunita cafeteria, located at 2200 West 8th Court in Hialeah, according to the police report.
The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, sustained three gunshot wounds to the legs, resulting in fractures of the femur and tibia. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she remains hospitalized.
Investigators found three spent shell casings at the crime scene. A security guard stated that the shooting occurred after an argument between the victim and Odio-Suárez.
The suspect fled after the attack and tried to escape to Cuba
According to the police report, Odio-Suárez drew a weapon, chased the victim, and fired several shots before fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
Hours later, detectives located the suspect’s car parked in a garage at Miami International Airport, triggering a search operation.
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The flight to Havana was diverted to capture the suspect
Authorities determined that the suspect had boarded an American Airlines flight bound for Havana, Cuba, Telemundo 51 reported.
With support from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the plane was forced to return to the terminal shortly after takeoff, allowing the suspect to be arrested inside the airport, Café Fuerte reported.
After his arrest, Odio-Suárez was taken to the Hialeah Police Department, where he confessed to the shooting, according to authorities.
Judge denies bail; investigation remains ongoing
During his court appearance on Monday, a judge denied bail to the defendant.
Local media reported that Odio-Suárez had paid $406 for the plane ticket with the intention of evading arrest in the United States.
The police continue to investigate the case, while the victim receives medical attention and the exact causes of the argument that led to the armed attack have yet to be publicly clarified.
