MEDLEY, Fla. — A civilian employee with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue who was arrested Saturday in connection with a road rage shooting in Medley appeared in front of a judge Sunday.
Emilio Humberto Rodriguez, 54, is accused of firing a single shot that struck another driver in the face Friday night near Northwest 87th Avenue and Northwest 64th Street.
“It appears to have been a road rage altercation that took nothing but a few minutes. It was a spontaneous heat of the moment exchange between two individuals,” defense attorney Raquel Leon said.
Deputies with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said the incident began when the victim and Rodriguez got into an argument after exiting their vehicles.
“Both of the parties exited their vehicle,” Leon said. “The alleged victim apparently exited his vehicle first and tried to attempt to get into my client’s car. There was definitely no premeditation.”
Authorities said Rodriguez pulled out a gun, yelled at the victim, and fired a round as the victim turned toward him.
They said the victim then drove to an urgent care center in Doral. Blood could be seen on his SUV and on the front door of the facility.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the victim to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
According to an arrest report, Rodriguez admitted to firing a “warning shot” near the victim’s head. Deputies said the shooting was captured on a nearby security camera.
With assistance from the Doral Police Department, deputies located Rodriguez and took him into custody early Saturday morning.
Jail records show he is facing one count of second-degree attempted murder with a deadly weapon.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue officials confirmed Monday that Rodriguez is a civilian employee with MDFR.
“Miami-Dade Fire Rescue is aware of the arrest of one of our civilian employees. The employee has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation,” MDFR said in a statement. “While the incident occurred off duty, we expect all members of our organization to uphold the highest standards of conduct and responsibility.”
As of Monday morning, Rodriguez remained held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. He is expected back in court on Monday.
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