Watch CBS News

Family Grieves As Police Search For Good Sam's Gunman

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) --  Miami Police are searching for a car involved in the murder of a Good Samaritan who was trying to protect children.

"I just hope they catch the guy who did. He didn't ask for that," said Nick Mans, the uncle of the victim, 24-year-old Bradley Flowers.

CLICK HERE To Watch MaryAnn Martinez' Report

Mans told CBS4's Peter D'Oench, "He didn't deserve it. Something has got to stop to make things better than it is in the street today. Kids are dying every day."

Police are looking for a yellow Mustang which they said was driving erratically around children near a Miami apartment building.

Police tell CBS4News it's a convertible and was made in 1988 or 1998.

They're hoping it will lead them to the man who pulled the trigger and killed Flowers, who also used the surname of Holt.   Flowers confronted the driver and was shot to death a short time later.

Miami Police said the man was outside with neighbors and children at around 6:00 p.m. Thursday in front of an apartment building located at 3293 NW 11th Court when the shooting happened.

CBS4's Natalia Zea spoke to witnesses and Flower's sister on Friday.

They said the driver of the Mustang often drives erratically in this neighborhood, even when children are outside playing.

They said he was doing donuts in an intersection, leaving marks on the street.

Witnesses said when Flowers intervened, he was murdered.

"He's a quiet person..he don't bother nobody," said Flowers' sister, Shanay.
But this time, he felt compelled to speak up.

"All he asked was, why you all driving so crazy with so many kids out here? And about 15 to 20 minutes later the guy came and shot him. He tried to get away and that was it," said Shanay.

"The car comes through this neighborhood all the time and nobody ever said anything to the guy. And I guess he felt the need to say something, to prevent these kids from getting hit,"she said.

She said she can't understand the senselessness of losing her brother over simple words.

"Protect kids....that's all he tried to do was protect the kids," said Shanay.

A witness who only identified herself as "Danielle" said her children were playing outside when that driver was reckless around them.

"He did a donut in the middle of the street trying to show off," said Danielle.

She said Flowers who often played football with the kids in the neighborhood did the right thing for her children and the others.

"He was doing something most people wouldn't do. So it's messed up it did happen the way it did happen," said Danielle.

Flowers also leaves behind a brother who now has to cope with this loss while preparing for one of the biggest moments in his life.

University of South Florida Freshman Quarterback Quinton Flowers was expected to start Saturday at Dallas when USF plays SMU. He will have tragedy on his mind.

"He's trying to do it for my mom, my dad, and now my brother," said Shanay.

CLICK HERE To Watch Peter D'Oench's Report 

The school issued a statement on Friday, saying "Per Quinton's wishes, he will remain with his coaches and teammates, those closest to him at USF, and travel with the team to Dallas today as the Bulls prepare to play at SMU on Saturday.

Our immediate concern is for Quinton's well being and for that of his family. We will first and foremost support Quinton and help him cope with this tragic occurrence."

USF Head Coach Willie Taggart also issues a statement saying, "The thoughts and prayers of everyone in our football program and the USF family are with Quinton and his family as they cope with this senseless tragedy. Quinton is a special young man who has had to endure far more at his young age than anyone should. We will do everything we can to help see him through this very difficult loss."

Despite losing her brother in such a violent way, Shanay respects Bradley's decision to stand up for children.

"I'm proud of him. I'm very proud of him," said Shanay.

Anyone with information is urged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471- TIPS.

RELATED CONTENT:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.