Police Identify AAA Roadside Assistance Contractor Killed In SW Miami-Dade Shooting
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade police are continuing their investigation into a fatal shooting in Southwest Miami-Dade.
Chopper4 was over the scene as police responded to the area of SW 99th Street and 87th Court shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday.
"We received a 911 call where investigators said two males were involved in a verbal altercation. One of the males was shot several times, and unfortunately he ended up being deceased on scene," explained Det. Artemis Colome.
A yellow tarp covered the body of a man police identified as 38-year old Magdiel Hernandez. His body was found right next to a AAA roadside assistance truck.
Another man, who police said was in his 60s, was seen being combative with officers before being placed in handcuffs and taken away in an ambulance.
"The other individual involved in the altercation requested to be transported to a nearby hospital seeking medical assistance," Det. Colome said.
CBS4's Oralia Ortega spoke with a man who said Hernandez was his nephew.
"We were told by a coworker and the manager, his manager here, he was dispatched to probably service a battery, give just a jump start or maybe change a battery, and it's unbelievable," said Roberto Flavio.
Flavio said Hernandez had worked in roadside assistance for many years.
"He's a very good, good guy. He's a service-minding individual, has been doing this for years and I can't believe. I'm in shock," he said.
A number of AAA drivers were at the scene awaiting confirmation on their friend and colleague.
"It's unbelievable for something so small to be so big, how it happened," said friend Victor Cazanes.
AAA issued a statement Tuesday evening, which read:
"We are profoundly saddened by this tragic incident that took place today. On behalf of all of us at AAA, our heartfelt condolences go out to the victim's family and friends during this most difficult time. Eliminating deaths and injuries on our roadways are top priorities for AAA. This incident was reported to the police who have begun an investigation. AAA will cooperate fully with any all police investigations."
They did tell CBS4 News that Hernandez was not employee of AAA, but rather he was a private contractor who provides roadside service for AAA.
The Miami-Dade Police Department is asking people who may know about what happened to contract Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
