3 arrested in shooting of 4 teens in SW Miami-Dade
MIAMI – Miami-Dade police announced Wednesday the arrests of three people in the shooting of four teens back in July. From the beginning the case had been a top priority for Miami-Dade Police who vowed to use all of their resources to solve this crime.
The mother of one of the teenagers who were shot is speaking out for the first time. Lexus Lovett told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that her 13-year-old son could have lost his life but he has fortunately recovered.
"I think it is awesome that the arrests have been made. It is amazing," she said. "It just lets me know that they are doing their job and I feel safer and I am glad to know. This all seemed unreal to me. I mean who would do this to kids. But he is here. My son is here and we are blessed. But they need to cut out this gun violence. Put their guns down. This is crazy. They need to stop and think about others as well as themselves. Fortunately, right now my son is doing great. He has got a little process to go through, but he is doing much better."
The shooting happened on the 29th of July of 2022 at around 5 p.m. in the area of 10875 SW 216 Street at the Cutler Manor Apartment complex.
Police said a 15-year-old teen was walking out from the west exit of the apartment complex, when he was shot in the buttocks.
Three other teens were inside of the apartment complex property when the shots were fired and were also struck, investigators said.
Authorities said a 15-year-old was shot in the upper torso while the other two 13-year-old victims were shot in the legs.
Miami-Dade police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta said the driver in the vehicle involved in the shooting was identified as Ariel Acosta, 20, and the passenger, Quintavious Bryson, 20. They have been charged accordingly.
CBS4 tried to speak with Acosta when he got out of jail, but he ran to a waiting vehicle outside the TGK Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade.
Authorities also said Huguette Acosta, 46, was an accessory after the fact and tampered with physical evidence. A police report said she changed the car's license plate at her son's request in order to protect him.
Lovett said, "That is ridiculous. That's like parents are getting down with their children's foolishness. That is crazy. Because if that can happen to me it can happen to anybody. You don't do that. You do not do crazy."
One subject remains at large. A police report said Acosta claimed he was the shooter. He is unidentified and police do not have a motive to release at this point.
Lovett said, "They need to help turn him in. And don't be like the suspect's mother and try to help their kid. Turn him in. That is it."
MDPD Director Freddy Ramirez said, "I am extremely proud of the dedication and tireless efforts of everyone involved in the investigation. This is a testament to our commitment, and I continue to stand firm and not allow our communities to be plagued with gun violence."
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers (305)471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477.
