1 in custody after South Beach shooting

2 victims shot along Ninth Street near Collins Avenue

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. ā€“ One person is in custody after a shooting that injured two people early Thursday morning in South Beach.Ā 

The shooting was reported shortly after 4:30 a.m. alongĀ NinthĀ Street, east of Collins Avenue.

Surveillance video appears to show the victims leaving Mega Pizza and getting into a Mercedes-Benz SUV. Moments later, a white car pulls up beside it, and someone inside begins firing into the SUV.Ā 

"I was just minding my business and I heard four shots of gunfire -- explosive gunfire," Miami Beach resident and hotel owner Mitch Novick said.

Both victims were driven to Mercy Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police said one person of interest, Kareem Stuart, 24, was questioned in connection with the shooting, but the interview "yielded negative results."

While Stuart has not been charged in the shooting, he faces charges of fleeing and eluding police, driving with a suspended license and possession of marijuana with the intent to sell.

According to an arrest report, a police officer attempted to stop Stuart's white Toyota Corrolla at the intersection of Seventh Street and Washington Avenue.

Police said Stuart fled from the officer but eventually stopped his car once other officers showed up in the area of Fifth Street and Washington Avenue.

Police said the passenger window was blown out and 11 clear baggies of suspected marijuana were found inside the car.

People who live and work in the area said they are fed up.

"The mayor and commission need to finally address this 24-hour never-ending circus which has become Ocean Drive," Novick said. "I'm numb to it. I've been here a long time (and) I've seen everything from stabbings, which precipitated murder, robberies, assault (and) sexual assaults."

It's also nearly the start if Urban Beach Week -- a weekend residents are hoping is not reflective of what's already happened this week.

"Every year is almost the same, but I know this year maybe everyone should be ready for it," Miami Beach resident Guy Vital said.Ā 


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.