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Police: Man Killed In Kendall Shooting After Altercation

KENDALL (CBS4) – Miami-Dade Police are asking for the public's help in the murder of a 28-year-old Southwest Miami-Dade man who was gunned down while dropping off a female companion at her family's  home.

"I'm kind of rattled. I hope they get these people," said John Bowen, who lives across the street from the unidentified woman and is one of her friends. "This actually scares the crap out of me. I mean it's scary what happened to the people like this. I know these sorts of things happen in Miami but you don't expect them to happen in a neighborhood like this."

Miami-Dade Police detective Alvaro Zabaleta says it happened about 3:15 a.m. outside the home in the 7900 block of Southwest 98th Terrace.

"The victim got out of the vehicle and three subjects approached him. There was a physical altercation and shots were fired striking the victim," said Zabaleta.

That victim, Michael Armas, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His companion was not injured.

"This is a tragic event," said Zabaleta. "This happened in her presence. She was shaken up."

Police have no motive or description of the suspects. Zabaleta says they fled eastbound.

Police did stop a car that matched the description of their car and they questioned the people inside it. But they were released.

"I'd like to know if this was random or if the victim was targeted," said Bowen. He told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "If he was targeted, then we have some issues in this neighborhood."

Bowen said his neighborhood had had its share of burglaries and robberies but has not had a crime like this one in his memory.

One neighbor, Victor Alcantara, told D'Oench, "This was very surprising. You can drive around here with kids and feel like you're OK.  It is safe. This is very surprising. I was sad. And I am shocked. They need to catch these guys and put them in jail. If you know anything, you should come forward."

Neighbor Analise Ferrer said, "It makes me feel very insecure. You can see it in the way I walk this morning."

The uncle of Armas' companion said his niece and Armas had been in Coconut Grove earlier in the morning, but Police could not confirm that.

If you know anything about this case, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).

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