Two FIU Football Players Hospitalized After Opa-locka Drive-By Shooting
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Two Florida International University football players were shot in Opa-locka Thursday afternoon.
The victims were identified as Mershawn Miller and Anthony Jones, Opa-locka police said.
The men were going to visit someone in the area when a car pulled up and shots were fired from within the vehicle, police said.
The incident occurred in the 2300 block of Northwest 140th Street, according to police.
Both men were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital where they were being treated for non-life threatening injuries, according to authorities.
Miller's father Emerson said they are both good kids and have never been in trouble.
He said he spoke to his son before he went into surgery on Thursday.
"One thing he said was he wanted his team to win this game they have coming up. That's where his focus is."
At least 15 shots were fired, according to authorities.
Miller's mother Kia said she is grateful her son is still alive.
"It was life changing. That's my baby."
CBS News Chopper4 was over the scene, where there were several police units and at least two Miami-Dade Fire Rescue trucks.
Chopper4 images showed investigators placing cones over bullet casings.
FIU Football Coach Butch Davis released a statement late Thursday that said:
"When you hear the news that we received today your heart drops. We've been receiving encouraging reports on their conditions and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Anthony Jones and Mershawn Miller during this time."
Police are searching for a Nissan, dark-colored Sentra.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477 or (305) 471-TIPS.
