3 women shot in Miami following dispute over Tuesday's General Election
MIAMI - Miami Police say they are alarmed after three women were shot early Wednesday morning during an argument about the elections.
Miami Police spokesman Mike Vega told CBS News Miami that one of the victims is in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital after being shot in the stomach.
"This is something that is of concern to us," Vega said. "There is no place for violence, especially over a difference of opinion in politics."
A neighbor shared crime scene photos with CBS News Miami. One of the photos shows the sunroof of a car shattered by bullets.
A CBS News crew was on the scene as Miami Police officers searched the complex, with the shooter still on the loose.
Neighbor Suly Ashe told CBS News Miami that she heard the gunfire at 12:25 a.m. at the apartment complex where she has lived for seven years, near N.W. 5th Ave. and 19th Street.
"I heard shots and woke up suddenly," Ashe said. "I heard somebody screaming and didn't want to open the door and put myself at risk. It sounded like four shots. Very loud shots."
She added, "It is horrible. Whoever is President now is President for all of us, whether we are Democrat or Republican. It doesn't matter. It's our country. It's very sad that this happened."
Vega said police responded after a "ShotSpotter alert," a technology that detects gunfire.
"They saw chaos and people running," he said. "Three people were shot. The woman in critical condition was shot in the abdomen. The other two victims, one of whom was shot several times, are in stable condition. They are in their late 20s to early 30s."
Vega explained, "They were part of a large group, drinking and having a good time. They started talking about the elections, and one of the individuals went to a vehicle, grabbed a gun, and started shooting. Witnesses said one of them became upset, possibly intoxicated, and returned to the vehicle to retrieve the weapon."
He added, "It seems that alcohol, along with the election discussion, led this person to go to the vehicle, grab a gun, and start shooting. But this is not acceptable. We have to handle our differences and respect each other's beliefs. We need to either reach an agreement or simply avoid such topics."
Vega said police have not confirmed whether the shooter was male or female, and they have not released a description of the suspect.
CBS News Miami spoke off-camera at Jackson Memorial Hospital with the brother and cousin of the woman in critical condition. However, they declined to make a statement. The cousin, who asked not to be named, said they had come to the Ryder Trauma Center to check on their loved one's condition.
"We did find casings at the scene, but we need the public's help," Vega said.
Anyone with information that can assist should call Miami Police at (305) 603-6300 or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
"Any information that anyone has may be able to help," added Vega.
