Caught On Camera: Exchange Student Shot, Robbed In Wynwood
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WYNWOOD (CBSMiami) -- Police are investigating a violent robbery that left an international student hospitalized from a gunshot wound.
It happened Tuesday, June 7th, around 11:30 p.m. near NW 2nd Avenue and 26th Street.
Surveillance video captured the moment two men approached 28-year-old Frank Hammar, a Swedish student at the Miami Ad School.
According to the police report, one of them pulled out a small handgun and said, "Put everything on the floor, I'm not kidding."
In fear for his life, the victim complied and placed his cellphone on the ground. The armed suspect then patted him down, looking for more valuables.
The video then captured as Hammar tried to back away from his assailants. But the robbers wanted his wallet which he refused to hand it over.
Off screen, shots are fired and the student is hit twice.
He was taken to Jackson Memorial Hospital's Ryder Trauma Center in critical but stable condition.
The school released a statement:
"We send best wishes and healing thoughts his way and look forward to seeing his smiling face back at the school soon. This tragedy has not slowed him down and he is determined to attend graduation and continue on to New York to fulfill his career dreams. We can't wait to watch him grow and inspire the next generation of students over the coming years."
They added that he is "expected to make a full recovery" and "should be released from the hospital in a week."
A GoFundMe account has been set up for Hammar to help with his medical expenses.
While that scene on the video was frightening, by day, the colorful Wynwood neighborhood attracts thousands each day.
"We have locals, we have international clients, we have a lot of from other states we have celebrities come in," said Claudia Martinez of Malaquita, a boutique in Wynwood.
Martinez set up shop not too long ago in the neighborhood. She said they knew what they were signing up for.
"It's been a process, I mean, we've been here for one year and since I got to know Wynwood a few years back and what it's becoming and what I see it's going to be. It's completely going to be a different place," said Martinez.
Less than a year ago, Wynwood was named one of America's four great neighborhoods.
The American Planning Association honored the artsy area for its character and economic growth. During the day it's bustling with tourist, and also locals who know its history.
"It wasn't really an area where you would go out a lot, and now it's just really awesome to go out to," said Miami native Leeor Gevi.
But businesses understand that it's still a neighborhood in transition and in need of support from the city.
"Definitely as the neighborhood is growing, I do expect to get some support from the city knowing that there's something going on. There's new investment here, the neighborhood is changing," said Martinez.
One major change Martinez and everyone else wants right now: making sure the two gunmen at large are caught.
If you have any information that can help police, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
