1 killed in shooting at Flamingo South Beach

Police question people of interest in shooting

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – One person was killed in a shooting Friday morning at the Flamingo South Beach luxury apartment building.

The shooting was reported about 9 a.m. at 1500 Bay Road.

Miami Beach Police spokesman Ernesto Rodriguez said a man was shot in the third floor skyway. They have identified the victim as 40-year-old Richard D. Petik. 

Petik was pronounced dead at the scene.

"We went down by the pool this morning (and) we saw cops that were outside the front of the building," Sarah Tankiewicz, who is in town visiting her cousin, said.

A man who claimed to have known Petik told Local 10 News reporter Liane Morejon that he was in his early 30s and was a former Army ranger. He said the victim had recently gotten into a rough lifestyle and had become addicted to drugs.

The man said he believes Petik may have been targeted as a result of his new lifestyle.

"He was into some things that were really bad and they got him," Angelo Gotsis said. "I'm a little shaken up."

Gotsis said Petik was shot in the head.

No other people inside the building were injured.

Rodriguez said police had "parties of interest detained" while the investigation is conducted. So far, no charges have been filed in connection with this shooting. 

Follow Liane Morejon on Twitter @LianeMorejonTV

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


About the Authors

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

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.

Recommended Videos