Caught On Tape: Violent Attempted Carjacking In Metrorail Garage
KENDALL (CBSMiami) — New surveillance tape released by Miami-Dade Police shows a violent attack on a 55-year-old woman and an attempted carjacking inside a busy parking garage by the Dadeland Metrorail station.
Women who regularly park in that garage off South Dixie Highway at Southwest 83rd St. tell CBS4's Peter D'Oench that they are alarmed and in some cases, they are taking extra steps to protect themselves.
"As a wife and as a mother, all I can say is it is scary," said Georgia Bowen. "I come to this garage frequently and I am a veteran and I like to come here. This is scary. It is dark up there and there is no security whatsoever."
"I'm scared," said Yadira Serrano, a Licensed Practical Nurse who regularly parks in the garage. "This can happen at any time of the day. This can happen when no security is around. That's why I carry some Mace with me," she said, showing D'Oench her canister of Mace.
Miami-Dade Police say the attack happened just before 4:30 p.m. last Thursday when the victim, 55-year-old biologist Keven Mayo of Kendall, was walking towards her vehicle.
The surveillance tape shows her with a circle around her. Police say the two attackers pushed her between two vehicles and tried to take her purse.
One suspect began to stomp her head with his foot while another one grabbed her cell phone and keys and tried to start her vehicle. Mayo was able to escape and call police.
When they arrived, they found that her vehicle was still parked with the keys in the ignition. Her property was still inside the vehicle.
Mayo was taken to South Miami Hospital for her injuries. She has since been released.
Several women who park in that garage offered some safety tips for others.
"Stay off your cell phone," said Georgia Bowen. "And be aware of your surroundings."
"You should always look around and be aware of your surroundings and if you see anyone suspicious, you should call security," said Yadira Serrano.
Gladis Duque told D'Oench, "Try to go with other persons when you can. It's always best to be in a group."
Miami-Dade Police describe the suspects as black males who are both between 25 and 30 years old. One suspect is 5'10" tall and 195 pounds and the second suspect is 6'2" tall and 210 pounds.
If you can help police, call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
D'Oench tried to reach Mayo but was told that she was out of town.
