Miami Gardens Car Wash Owner Killed Trying To Stop Robbery
MIAMI (CBS4) - Miami Gardens Police detectives were investigating a deadly shooting at a car wash Sunday afternoon.
The shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. at NW 191 St. and 1st Place, police Capt. Ralph Suarez said.
"The victim was trying to stop a robbery in progress," Suarez explained
That's when he was shot and killed.
Dozens of people gathered at the scene. Several friends and neighbors told CBS 4's Lauren Pastrana the man who died was Errold Peart, the beloved owner of the car wash.
"He was the sweetest man," one woman who did not want to be identified said.
She said Peart dated her cousin for several years and was like a father to her three sons.
"He gave free car washes to people who couldn't pay," she said.
Even Miami Gardens' police officers knew the victim personally.
"He was a very nice gentleman, obviously by his acts," Capt. Suarez said. "It's unfortunate that he was shot."
Tamika Smith said she could not believe it. She went directly to the scene after getting out of work to see for herself.
"It's sad," Smith said. "He's going to be missed." Smith said Peart would give jobs to people who had fallen on tough times.
Miami Gardens Police are looking for two young men between 17 and 20 years old. They are considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information should contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
