Police: Dispute Over Car Repair Bill Sparks Stabbing, Shooting
MIAMI-DADE (CBSMiami) – One man is facing aggravated battery charges after dispute over an auto repair bill escalated into violence.
Freddy Saladriga, 45, was taken into police custody Tuesday after being treated for a gunshot wound as a result of the altercation at All Florida Collision near Bird Road and S.W. 71 Street.
According to investigators, Saladriga used a knife to stab the shop's owner and another customer.
"I heard a lot of screaming and somebody yelling," explained a man who would only identify himself as Stan.
"Apparently the owner of the shop, a customer came in. He was arguing over whether or not the price was good or something. He pulled out a knife and proceeded to stab the manager and another person," neighbor Oneal Delapenha said.
Police said Saladriga stabbed owner Evelio Cobas multiple times before another customer tried to intervene.
"Another customer came over to render aid. He was sliced in the arm. He produced a firearm and shot the man in the lower extremity," Miami-Dade Police Det. Elena Hernandez.
Police identified that customer as Alberto Benito-Budincevich.
He was treated for his injuries on scene where he also spoke with detectives.
He's not expected to face any charges.
Employees at the shop declined to comment, as did the families of the victims and suspect.
Neighboring business owners expressed their concerns.
"We're all small businesses here and I don't like to see this in an area that is very quiet," George Gonzalez said. "It's troubling.Troubling for the employes and safety. It's troubling.Troubling for the employes and safety."
Public records show Saladriga has been in trouble before. He was arrested in 2012 on an aggravated battery charge.
He now faces a charged of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
