MIAMI — A Miami man was arrested after a violent incident early Monday that involved gunfire, an armed robbery, and the use of hostages as a “meat shield,” police said.
Jail records show Lazaro Barbaro Navarro, 35, faces multiple charges, including armed robbery with a firearm, aggravated battery, illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and tampering with a victim or witness with a firearm.
Miami police said they responded around 12:30 a.m. to a report of a shooting at a home near the 2300 block of 35th Street.
They said a man was treated for a gunshot wound to his left forearm after being transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center.
Investigators said the incident began with an argument over narcotics.
They said Navarro, known to the victims as “Barbarito,” entered the home without permission while two men, who were attempting to purchase narcotics, arrived shortly after.
Witnesses told police that Navarro positioned himself inside the home so that the occupants were between him and the other men outside.
One witness described the victims inside as “hostages,” saying Navarro used them as a “meat shield” to deter return fire, according to the report.
Surveillance footage and witness statements indicate that one of the witnesses fired at Navarro while trying to protect himself and the other occupants.
Police said a witness told them that she was lying in bed when Navarro entered and, in fear, called her son to alert him. She described seeing her son respond angrily and shoot at Navarro, stating, “I don’t give a f---” as the gunfire began.
Another witness, a younger family member, said he pulled his mother and another occupant out of the house to safety while Paulino fired at Navarro, according to police.
Investigators said Navarro reportedly stole a phone while holding a gun at one of the victims before fleeing in a black Nissan Altima.
Police said they later identified Navarro through surveillance, witness accounts, and a photo lineup.
Investigators also noted his prior convictions for battery, grand theft, and controlled substance possession.
Video from Ring cameras captured Navarro approaching the property and entering the home prior to the exchange of gunfire. Police said casings and live rounds were recovered inside the home where Navarro was reported to be standing during the shooting.
Jail records show he is facing one count each of aggravated battery with prior conviction, armed robbery with a firearm or deadly weapon, illegal possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, and tampering with a victim or witness with a firearm.
Authorities said police are continuing their investigation and have requested a Nebbia hold due to Navarro’s prior criminal history and involvement in narcotics sales.
As of Thursday morning, he was being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where his bond was listed as “to be set.”
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