Tourist Fatally Shot Near News Cafe On Miami Beach
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MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) – It was just after sunrise Sunday morning when authorities said at least three men gunned down a tourist on Miami Beach.
It happened at 8th Street and Ocean Drive, near the popular News Cafe.
"I'm like, 'yo, those were gunshots and they were right there'," said Tavin Reiter, a witness. "I knew right away they were gunshots. Right after that, I heard a car screech away. I heard a guy scream like he was in major pain."
The victim was hit twice with at least one bullet striking the cafe's glass window. Several people nearby, including Reiter, ran over to help.
"I saw people going to him, he was on the floor," he said. "Between me and my other friends, one's a nurse, we were the first people to help him. He got shot in the lower back and the knee."
The bystanders were not ready for the reality of what was in front of them.
"He was just groaning and was going in and out of consciousness," said Reiter. "I got a little scared of that because he looked like he was gonna maybe die."
After being rushed to the hospital, the unnamed man did die. Police said he was visiting from New York.
They're now trying to piece together what led up to the deadly gunfire. They believe three black men took off in a newer model white Jeep Grand Cherokee with tinted windows.
Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.