Police: Miami Gardens Chili's Employee Shot To Death By Co-Worker's Boyfriend
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami Gardens police are investigating a fatal shooting inside a Chili's restaurant Monday afternoon.
Chopper4 was over the scene just before 3 p.m. near NW 198th Street and NW 2nd Avenue. You could see police and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue around the restaurant.
According to police, Lester Reid and a co-worker got into a verbal argument.
Police said the second employee called her boyfriend, Arturo Exum, who subsequently came to Chili's and shot Reid.
Alexander Escalada, who works nearby, says he heard a commotion outside and ran to see what happened.
"I went around the back of the Chili's where we normally have our breaks back there and the guy was being put in the ambulance, sheets up to his neck. It was full of blood. It was really intense for that to happen. It was kind of scary two doors down," said Escalada.
Reid was taken to a local area hospital where he died.
People who work in the shopping center told CBS4's Oralia Ortega they saw a vehicle speed off after they heard shots fired. They then saw customers, some with young children, take off to their vehicles.
"There was a couple people that did have kids and the family with them, so that's really scary for that to happen," Escalada said. "But for the majority, the police handled it really well. They came out one by one. The cops kept the cars here. Calm for the most part."
Police have not released the victim's name and they have not said whether anyone has been arrested in the case.
Chili's released a statement late Monday night. It read:
"We are shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic situation and the loss of one of our Team Members. We are doing everything we can to fully cooperate with the police and fire and rescue teams who were so quick to respond."
If you have any information on this case, contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
