The FBI wants the public’s help identifying the man they believe robbed a barber shop in Pembroke Pines on 5/10 and then shot two law enforcement officers on the Florida Turnpike. (Source: FBI)
Reporting Ted Scouten
Turnpike Shooting
PEMBROKE PINES (CBSMiami) – Customers inside a Pembroke Pines barber shop were terrified when a man burst in Thursday and robbed the place at gunpoint. Little did they know he’d end up shooting two South Florida law enforcement officers in the middle of the Florida Turnpike before turning the gun on himself.
The owner of Maxim Cuts, located in the 1400 block of South Palm Avenue, came face-to-face with the still unidentified gunman who entered the shop Thursday and ran straight to the cash register with his gun drawn.
Surveillance video from inside the shop captured the entire robbery.
After the gunman demanded cash from the register, the owner ran outside to get help.
To the surprise of those still inside, a customer who happened to be an armed security guard went after the robber. He ran outside after the suspect and opened fire at the suspect’s car, which left a pile of broken glass in the parking lot.
“I didn’t even know it was shots,” said Archie Grant, who works in the same shopping plaza. “Not this time of day, not here.”
Many in the plaza were shocked when they realized what was happening. One person said she heard 6 shots.
Everyone was relieved to learn the customer with the gun was an off-duty security guard.
“Then I came here and saw a gentleman with a hand gun so i called the police,” said Grant. “That guy with the hand gun was actually protecting the guys inside the barbershop.”
The suspect, meantime, abandoned the damaged vehicle and stole a second car, an Infiniti G35, authorities said, before he headed towards the Turnpike where got into crash, shot and wounded two law enforcement officers, then turned the gun on himself.
Both officers are expected to survive.
The FBI is asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect and have released two photos of him inside the barbershop.
If you recognize him, please call the FBI in Miami at 305-944-9101.
Also anyone who may have been a witness to any of the events involving the suspect, including pictures or video of the incidents, are urged to contact the FBI as well.
