Some 7News viewers have called in on Sunday to say they have been waiting for up to four hours to leave Key Biscayne.

The flyover bridge that connects westbound traffic to U.S. 1 and Interstate 95 will be closed for the next two months to allow crews to do some work on concrete pavement on the bridge decks, according to the Florida Department of Transportation.

During this closure, the following detours have been established.

Drivers heading west on the causeway who want to go south on U.S. 1 will:

• Continue west on the causeway and merge left at the fork toward Coconut Grove/Brickell Avenue.
• Continue driving west and make a left turn onto South Miami Avenue.
• Make a right turn onto U.S. 1.

Motorists going west on the causeway who want to go north on I-95 will:

• Continue west on the causeway and merge left at the fork toward Coconut Grove/Brickell Avenue.
• Continue driving west onto Southwest 26th Road.
• Turn right at the bend on Southwest 26th Road, then continue driving toward Southwest 25th Road.
• Use the entrance ramp onto northbound I-95 from Southwest 26th Road.

Access to Brickell Avenue and South Miami Avenue will not be affected. However, officials advise drivers to expect heavy delays.

For more information about this project, visit FDOT’s website.

Katherine Altagracia Guerrero De Aguasvias, 31, of Homestead, was attacked and kidnapped at gunpoint Thursday afternoon at an intersection northeast of Orlando, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma said during a news conference on Friday.

“What we are now investigating is a homicide,” said Lemma.

Video showed the moment the victim was hijacked in the Winter Springs area of Seminole County. A man with am automatic 10 mm gun appears to approach the woman’s white Dodge SUV, opens the driver’s door, unlocks the doors and gets into the vehicle with her.

A witness called police about the scary sight.

“There’s a guy going down East Lake Drive in Seminole County, he was chasing a car, hit the car, got out of his car wit a hood over his face, and he had a machine gun, it looked like,” said the caller.

Lemma said investigators found what they believe was her burning SUV with her body inside less than two hours later in a rural area of Osceola County, just south of Orlando.

This comes after people nearby heard gunshots and saw smoke.

“Something exploded,” said a woman in cellphone video showing the smoke.

“By the time authorities with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office arrived there, there was so much damage to the vehicle, you could not positively identify the vehicle,” said Lemma. “But they also discovered that one person was deceased and found in that vehicle.”

Near the vehicle, authorities said, they found 12 shell casings of 10 mm rounds.

Investigators will use dental records and DNA to confirm the body’s identity.

Authorities said they are searching to confirm many other details as well, like why was Guerrero De Aguasvias in Seminole County?

“We were told she was here visiting family. We were not able to confirm that she has any family member here,” said Lemma.

Guerrero De Aguasvias was at an intersection just outside of Winter Springs when a green Acura began to ram her SUV prior to the carjacking, Lemma said.

“At that time, she picks up the phone and called her husband, told her husband that she was being rammed, that there was somebody there that was following her,” said Lemma.

Guerrero De Aguasvias’ husband told her not to stop, authorities said.

“To not call 911 is something that, again, I don’t know the answer to that,” said Lemma.

Neither called the authorities, Lemma said. Another motorist called 911 and took a cell phone video of the carjacking. The video shows a passenger from the Acura pointing a gun at Guerrero De Aguasvias and then jumping in the back seat of her SUV before they drive off, followed by the Acura.

Lemma said investigators believe Guerrero De Aguasvias was targeted by the occupants of the Acura, but they don’t have a motive for the carjacking.

“She called her husband; husband said, ‘Don’t leave the car,’ no reports to law enforcement, that this was not a random act of violence, that the perpetrators knew who they were going after,” said Lemma. “Why they were going after them is something that is part of our ongoing, continuing investigation.”

Guerrero De Aguasvias has had no criminal history since moving to the U.S. five years ago, Lemma said.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the green older model Acura sedan to call 911.

Meanwhile, Guerrero’s family members have been gathering at a home in Homestead.

Neighbors said they devastated. One of them spoke to 7News through a translator.

“She was a good person. I went to give the family my condolences, and they are heartbroken, and so am I,” he said.

Family members said investigators have advised them not to speak with the media.

Deputies believe this was a targeted attack, as they continue to investigate.

Surveillance video captured Ernesha Atmore using a soft-sided cooler to steal approximately $20,000 worth of designer sunglasses.

Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez says a theft caught on video a couple of years ago, may have sealed her fate.

“She committed one of the most brazen thefts I’ve heard of. She went into a Sunglass Hut at International Plaza and had a soft-sided cooler, and she just scooped up about $20,000 in designer sunglasses. When the employee said, ‘What are you doing,’ she said, ‘I have a taser.’ And, as you know, a taser is a weapon,” explained Lopez.

After Atmore’s arrest, police officers found stolen goods in her car, which were collected as evidence. Atmore’s criminal record led to her facing stiffer penalties as she had had multiple convictions in the past.

Although she was offered a plea deal of three years by prosecutors, Atmore chose to go to trial, where a jury found her guilty. She now faces a 30 year prison sentence.

Before her sentencing, Atmore faced two additional theft charges, including the incident at a Zales jewelry store in Brandon Center Mall, where she attempted to steal a ring valued at $8,749.99. This added more time to her prison sentence.

As the proceedings continued, Atmore showed no remorse as she smiled for the camera during her booking. She is now going away for 30 years and six months and won’t be free again until she’s nearly 60 years old.

No one wants to start their day this way.

Arely Correa, car towed: “We got up early in the morning to go to work, and we were surprised when both of our cars went missing.”

It was April Fools Day, but this was no joke for Arely Correa and her mom.

They both had parked their cars, like they do every night. But the cars were gone the next morning, along with dozens of others.

Desiree Vannucci, car towed: “I came outside, and the vehicles were all gone.”

Desiree Vannucci says it was a shock for people living at Soleil Lake Condominium in Sweetwater.

Desiree Vannucci: “My neighbors were out here walking around, looking for their cars.”

When they called the condo management, they learned the cars had been towed.

But why? We went to get answers.

Heather Walker: “I’m with 7News. We’re here about the cars that were towed.”

Company employee: “This is private property. I’m going to ask you to stop filming, please.”

Excel Management Associates, or EMA, manages the building.

Off camera, we were told this letter was sent to condo owners back in January. It says the condo “Association has decided to change the parking permits and issue new ones,” giving residents until the end of February to make the change.

Desiree Vannucci: “They don’t notify us, they change rules.”

Desiree and other residents say they never received that letter.

Arely Correa: “We had decals, but they weren’t ‘valid’ ones.”

The management company tells 7 Investigates it has suspended towing, at least temporarily.

But residents say the damage is done.

Arely Correa: “It was, like, really hard. We lost, like, a full day of work.”

In addition to the hassle, they had to pay $165 to get their cars back.

Arely Correa: “It’s not like we all have that money. It’s hard; I know everyone is going through a tough time.”

The management company says it will determine if anyone can be reimbursed.

Residents are hoping to get their money back but happy that at least they have their cars.

Heather Walker, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

Flora Navarro came to America filled with two things: hope and determination.

Flora Navarro (translation of): “I have been in this country for 35 years, working very hard to achieve my dream of freedom, which I think I have achieved.”

And she has, owning two properties. This one, that she leases out.

Flora Navarro: “It is an assisted living facility, where we welcome elderly individuals.”

For 18 years, everything was fine. Then Flora got a call that the house was cited by fire inspectors because the windows were blocked.

Flora Navarro: “He put some panels with plants on my wall, blocking the windows.”

Her neighbor had put wooden trellises with plants right up against her windows. No view for the elderly residents and no way to get out of the window in an emergency.

Flora Navarro: “Because if there is a fire, and older people, the residents, they can get burned, and they can die of suffocation.”

Then the neighbor put up a fence all the way across the property attached to Flora’s house and blocking her from going into the yard.

Flora Navarro: “The fence is screwed to my wall. To my property walls.”

Her neighbor got a permit for the fence from Miami-Dade County based on his survey that showed he owned the land up to Flora’s house.

Her survey shows she owns the land

Flora Navarro: “I have seven and a half feet over there. He wants privacy, but he can’t have privacy by taking my land and blocking my windows.”

You might be thinking, “Tear these trellises down, Flora.” But she is afraid to.

Flora Navarro: “I can’t do anything because he is a cop, and he is going to get me arrested.”

Her neighbor is a Coral Gables Police officer.

When Flora’s husband tried to open the window and push the trellis back, the officer texted, “Contact me so we can discuss what you did. Otherwise, I will contact the police to file a report and press charges. Thank you.”

Flora Navarro: “I respect the police. But the police must also respect my rights.”

And like many neighbor disputes, it got ugly.

Flora Navarro: “When I reported him to the county, the county came after me and issued violations towards me and my property, not to him.”

Flora is clearing up her violation but wonders if her neighbor has to clear what she is convinced are trellis and fence violations.

Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Even if it is the officers property, he cannot block a neighbor’s window. It’s a hazard, and those trellises have to come down. As for who owns what, the county needs to sort out the conflicting surveys. And one more thing: Flora’s neighbor attached his fence to her house with screws. That’s trespassing and a lawsuit because he put holes in her house.”

While we were at the property, the neighbor contacted us through his security camera.

Neighbor: “I am glad your cameraman is filming me, that’s perfectly fine.”

Our first question: why did he block the windows?

Neighbor: “Those windows are illegal. They are not supposed to have windows. They have a survey. It’s wrong.”

Turns out, the officer’s survey is wrong.

We contacted Miami-Dade. They wrote, “An error occurred in issuing the permit” for the fence. That Flora “owns the 7.5 feet” from her house, therefore, “the gate and trellis need to be removed.”

And they were.

Flora Navarro: “Thanks to you, to the work you and your team have done, who have helped me very much.”

But after her neighbor unblocked the windows and took down the fence, the officer went back and put pots on Flora’s property and a tarp in front of her window.

He said the county told him he could use her property. The county told us that’s not true.

Howard said the tarp is on Flora’s property and has to come down, in a neighbor dispute that won’t end.

Flora Navarro: “He is there to comply with the law, not to keep breaking it, and to leave me in peace.”

Obviously, we will keep an eye on this to see what happens next.

And by the way, even if the government makes a mistake and issues a permit, like in this case, they have to fix their mistake, like they are trying to do in this case. So don’t give up.

Blocked from solving a problem? Feel like they are copping an attitude? Let us view it, so we can open a window to a solution. In a neighborly way, of course.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

Scheduled for Monday afternoon, this astronomical phenomenon, which we won’t see for another 20 years, is drawing attention across the region as various local museums hosting viewing parties and educational sessions.

“It’s all part of this learning experience,” said Jacob Bleacher, NASA’s chief exploration scientist, in an interview with 7News. “t’s a job, right? But at the same time, you take a breath, and you look around. You experience an event like this just like everyone around this area and along the path will do. I mean, it just drives home how important and exciting it is for us to understand our Earth — our Earth, moon and sun, our solar system — and the place that we have in it.”

A solar eclipse occurs when the moon positions itself between the Earth and the sun, casting a shadow over the planet and briefly darkening the sky. This rare occurrence allow stars to be visible during the day and offers a unique spectacle for observers.

“It’ll be night — bird will chirp, crickets will crick — and generally there will be a bit of a breeze created by the cool air next to the warm air. It’s fantastic,” said scientist, Bill Nye.

Although it will be a sight to see, viewers are cautioned against looking directly at the sun without specialized eclipse glasses, designed to protect the eyes of harmful rays.

The eclipse’s visibility in South Florida is expected between 1:48 p.m. and 4:14 p.m., with peak viewing around 3 p.m.

“In Miami, specifically, we’re going to have about 46% of our sun covered by the moon at the maximum eclipse around 3 o’clock,” said Alec Warren with the Frost Museum. “We’re gonna see a really nice half-crescent sun. It’ll look like a nice crescent moon in the night time sky, except it’ll be in the middle of the day. So you’re gonna see something that’s really quite fun and quite spectacular in its own right.”

Local institutions like the Frost Science Museum in Miami and the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale are among the venues offering a chance to safely experience the event.

The Frost Science Museum is providing free eclipse glasses with ticket purchases, while the Museum of Discovery and Science enhances the experience with related shows in its GeoDome Planetarium and IMAX theaters.The Fox Observatory in Markham Park is setting up telescopes for an up-close look at the eclipse, starting at 1:30 p.m.

Over at Zoo Miami, the Southern Cross Astronomical Society of South Florida will have solar equipment arranged in front of the facility’s ticket office to capture the partial solar eclipse. Certified solar glasses will also be available at the zoo.

Animals in captivity will be observed by scientists during the solar eclipse as they are expected to act abnormally.

While South Florida won’t witness the total eclipse — a phenomenon reserved for a path stretching from southwest Mexico to Maine — the partial eclipse promises to be a significant event.

“I think the most important thing to take away from a big event like this is just the amazement of curiosity,” said Bleacher. “Just ask questions, just wrap yourself in knowledge and learning, and that’s really what science is all about.”

Indianapolis is one of the many a prime destination for those chasing the total eclipse, with the city near the path of totality experiencing a surge in visitors and fully booked hotels.

“Eclipses have been a source of inspiration in cultures around the world for thousands of years,” explained Warren. “We really like to highlight that within our programming and just in the shared experience of seeing this in action.”

7News cameras on Sunday captured framed photographs of George Castellanos. The pictures show a joyful, beaming smile that his parents said they’ll never forget.

“Very joyful, helps everyone all the time. In his job, everybody loved him,” said his mother, Jeannine Castellanos.

Castellanos was just 23 when, Miami-Dade Police said, a gunman took his life while he was simply doing his job at CityPlace Doral’s Martini Bar, at around 3:30 a.m., Saturday.

“They killed him,” said his father, George Castellanos Sr., in Spanish before he added in English, “Why? Why? Twenty-three years only.”

Police told the victim’s family that two patrons got into a fight seemingly over a sofa pillow.

“My son is the head security in Martini Bar, so he goes out there and tries to separate the fight, and when he does, the guy just takes out a gun and shoots him two times: one in his chest and the other in his stomach,” said Jeannine.

Two Doral Police officers who were working in the area immediately responded, and shot and killed the gunman. Detectives later identified him as 37-year-old Jamal Wayne Wood.

But Castellanos would not survive.

The victim leaves behind a girlfriend and a 14-month-old girl. His parents shared pictures of the young, loving family with 7News.

His father was unable to hold back tears when he said his son was his best friend and the best father.

“Best friend, best son, best brother, the best father. Yeah, 100%,” he said.

Castellanos was also studying science and criminal justice at Florida International University, with hopes of possibly going into law enforcement.

“He was in FIU, about to graduate next month, and that was one of the things that really hit me,” said Jeannine.

FIU released a statement to 7News Monday stating he would posthumously receive his degree.

“FIU is heartbroken over the senseless and tragic death of our student, George Alejandro Castellanos, who has been a member of the FIU family for the past five years. FIU will be awarding George’s degree to his family next month at our Spring 2024 graduation ceremonies. George was a hardworking and dedicated student, and we hope that the awarding of the degree will be a reminder to all of those who know and love him of his commitment to higher education, the promise of a bright future and his perseverance toward achieving his goals and dreams.”

Florida International University

“He lost his life doing his job,” said Doral Mayor Christi Fraga.

Fraga said she has called for a special council meeting for Wednesday because of the tragedy. They plan to examine bar hours of operation and consider other regulations so something like this doesn’t happen again.

“If there are measures that we can implement in our code to create additional security, we will,” said Fraga.

Castellanos’ family said they want to see more of those regulations, though it won’t bring back his beaming smile, or the “good mornings” and “I love yous” his parents so cherish.

“Every day, ‘Pa, I love you. I love you, Pa,'” said his father.

Paramedics transported the surviving victims to Ryder Trauma Center and HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. They range in age from 28 to 57 years old and include a Doral Police officer and the owner of Martini Bar.

According to a GoFundMe page, more information and current conditions have been revealed about three surviving victims, Frank Miguel Jerez, Yaniris Jerez and Carlos Milan.

Yaniris and Milan are married with two sons.

Yaniris underwent surgery and is in stable condition at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. After surgery, doctors said that she is very lucky to be able to walk again.

Milan, who suffered the most serious injuries, is in critical condition after he was shot four times. While injured, he still went over to his wife to protect her until paramedics arrived.

Frank, who is Yaniris’ brother, is in critical condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He underwent surgery and is expected to have a long road to recovery after he was shot in the abdomen. Doctors are hopeful that Frank will make a full recovery.

As of Monday, the Doral Police officer who was shot is recovering at home and is expected to make a full recovery.

Castellanos’ loved ones have started a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses and help support his family. If you would like to make a donation, click here.

According to detectives, a fight broke out between patrons at Martini Bar, at around 3:30 a.m., Saturday.

“The security guard that was working intervened, and that’s when the subject produced a firearm and shot and killed the security guard,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Álvaro Zabaleta.

Two City of Doral Police officers who were part of a security detail immediately responded and engaged the gunman.

“There was an exchange of gunfire between the subject and the officer. The officer shot and killed the subject; however, the officer also sustained a gunshot wound to the lower extremity,” said Zabaleta.

During the shootout, detectives said, six innocent bystanders were injured. They were taken to the hospital, where two are listed in critical condition and four are listed in stable condition.

Doral Police Chief Edwin Lopez said the injured police officer was a four-year veteran, and after being wounded, applied a tourniquet to himself.

A total of nine people were shot:

• Gunman shot and killed
• Security guard shot and killed
• City of Doral Police officer shot
• Six bystanders shot (one female and five males)

“At this time, it’s too early to tell who was shot by who,” said Lopez.

CityPlace Doral remained blocked off for hours while police investigated. 7Skyforce hovered above the scene, after police had placed several evidence markers where the gunfire erupted.

The injured Doral Police officer is expected to be OK.

“We are grateful that he is alive and in stable condition, and we look forward to completing this investigation,” said Lopez.

In a message posted Saturday afternoon on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava wrote:

“Our hearts go out to the Doral community and @DoralPolice following last night’s gun violence, as we pray for a swift recovery for all those injured and for the families of the victims. Today, and every day, we are so grateful for the men and women in uniform who keep us safe.”

Sunday afternoon, a spokesperson for CityPlace Doral issued the following statement:

“On Saturday, April 6, at 3:30 a.m., an isolated incident occurred at CityPlace Doral’s Martini Bar. Our thoughts are with all those involved. The safety of our guests is always our top priority, and we have put a number of additional security measures in place. The Center, with the exception of Martini Bar, opened at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 6. Thank you to the City of Doral law enforcement who were onsite and acted swiftly. We are fully cooperating with The City of Doral Police Department, Miami-Dade Police Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and other agencies as the incident is being investigated.”

According to officials, there are three active investigations underway by multiple agencies. City of Doral Police will continue to investigate the original altercation, Miami-Dade Police is conducting a homicide investigation, and FDLE will investigate the officer-involved shooting.

The owner, Grethel Beaton, said Chloe, the 1-year-old French bulldog, ran off when a pool cleaner left the gate open.

“In a matter of seconds, the door opens, she went out,” said Beaton. “She means the world to me, she is one year and four months, she is our baby, she’s the baby of the house.”

On Wednesday afternoon, Chloe was picked up by a car after getting loose from Beaton’s house.

In a video, tracked down by a private investigator, the dog is seen running into the street. A person driving a white van picks the dog up.

But, in a rush to get to work, the driver hands the dog off to another woman. It is the last time the dog has been seen.

“That person gave the dog to someone else, to a woman who was walking by,” said Beaton.

The family is now offering a $2,000 reward.

“She has more value for us than to anybody else. The $2,000 could buy any dog, but it’s not about the money,” said Gerardo Machado.

Now, the family is hoping that whoever got the dog in the chaos brings her back home safely.

“When I got home from school, I will always go to her cage and play with her,” said the owner’s daughter.

“By airing this, they should know that, please, return the dog to the proper owner so the kids could have closure with their dog,” said Chase A. Lalani, the private investigator.

While it’s unclear who may have Chloe, the family hopes that the person who took her hears their cry for help and brings the dog home.

“So we have four humans and two dogs. We are a family of six, but now we’re a family of five, so we’re missing a family member,” said Beaton.

According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the victim was identified as 27-year-old Jorge de la Torre.

Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the incident at the Southeast Third Avenue Bridge over the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, at around 4:30 p.m., Thursday.

De la Torre, a father with two young children, fell with one of the loads off the side of a building and succumbed to his injuries, police said.

On Facebook, his loved ones wrote, “God took you from me and I’ll never never know why. I will love you for the rest of my life. You are a great dad and annoyingly funny best friend, the best provider and love of my life.”

The post was complete with a picture of of the 27-year-old and his children.

Aerial footage from 7Skyforce on Thursday showed a large presence of first responders as well as two damaged vehicles: a dark-colored minivan and a Tesla SUV. Behind one of the vehicles involved, a large hole in the bridge, apparently caused by the falling debris, was visible.

According to fire rescue officials, a man and woman were transported to Broward Health Medical Center in stable condition. Both victims were released from the hospital on Friday morning. A third person, the driver of the Tesla, was put on a stretcher but was not transported to the hospital.

Fire rescue officials later secured the crane, and the area was cleared of debris and damaged vehicles as investigations by several agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Florida Department of Transportation, continue.

The closure of the bridge caused significant traffic and stopped marine traffic along the New River, but since its reopening, all traffic has returned to normal.

Workers told 7News that de la Torre, along with five other men, were the ones who worked the top half of the crane. They also told 7News that the cable that holds the pieces of the crane was changed recently.

That information has not been officially confirmed, and it is unclear if that information has anything to do with this tragedy.

KAST Construction, the company working on the high-rise where the crane was being used, has been contacted for comment on this incident.

Fort Lauderdale Police and Fire Rescue units responded to the Southeast Third Avenue Bridge over the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, at around 4:30 p.m., Thursday.

Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed a large presence of first responders as well as two damaged vehicles: A dark-colored minivan and a Tesla SUV. Behind one of the vehicles involved, a big hole in the bridge, apparently caused by the falling debris, was visible.

According to fire rescue officials, a man and woman were transported to Broward Health Medical Center. As of Thursday night, they are both in stable condition. A third person, the driver of the Tesla, was put on a stretcher but was not transported to the hospital.

According to police, one of the workers was killed. The worker fell with one of the loads off the side of the building and succumbed to their injuries. The identity of the deceased worker has not been released.

The driver of the Tesla, Mark Cerezin, told 7News that he was going over the bridge when he felt some sort of compression. He said he hit the brakes, stopped his vehicle and saw the crane hit the minivan in front of him.

“It was just an instinct. It was just a reaction, peripheral reaction, slamming on the brakes,” said Cerezin.

Cerezin said part of that instinct is because of his car.

“I have a Tesla, it’s all glass on top, so I saw here coming down, and that’s when I gauged, I guess, by a split second,” he said.

Cerezin described how that split second saved him from the crane crashing down directly on him.

“Had I not slammed as hard as I had with my foot, I’m not here speaking to you. I hit the front of my car. It was like slow motion. And then I just saw the front of my car just disappeared,” said Cerezin. “It just, like, sliced it. Then that piece of metal bounced in the air and then went to the right and landed on another car.”

Video obtained by 7News shows Cerezin comforting the woman who was driving the minivan, who is seen visibly distraught.

Cerezin said he took off his shirt to help the woman. He is in disbelief that he hit the brakes just seconds before the crane fell down.

“There was a lady that was bleeding, and I took off my shirt and put compression and helped her,” he said.

Cerezin said he feels grateful and lucky to be alive as he was put on the stretcher.

“From, of course, this day forward, I’m just happy to go home to my wife. I’m happy to go home to my family and to my friends. I’m just so grateful,” he said.

Southeast Third Avenue will be closed for an unknown amount of time. Drivers were advised to avoid the area from Broward Boulevard South to Davie Boulevard.

Due to the hole left by the collapsed crane, officials have to determine the structural integrity of the bridge, so the roadway will remain closed.

“When a section of the crane fell, it did impact the bridge and leaving a hole into the bridge,” said FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan. “So, until such time where the structural integrity of the bridge can be determined, this roadway will be closed.”

People were being detoured at Las Olas Boulevard and on the other side of the bridge on Southeast Sixth Street, causing major congestion.

Fire rescue officials, meanwhile, climbed to the top of the crane and spoke to the crane operator, who said he was in the process of elevating the top portion to another position when the crane came crashing down.

“It is my understanding from the construction company that they were doing a process at the time called stepping the crane. It was not the crane that failed; it was a platform that they had equipment staged on that had failed at the time of the incident,” said Gollan.

The New River is closed to marine traffic in both directions. It is unclear when the marine traffic can resume.

7News cameras captured onlookers standing on their balconies as they watched the situation unfold.

Another video obtained by 7News shows the piece of the crane being elevated by crews. The video stops moments before the crane fell.

The man who recorded the video, Jason Taub, said he’s been watching the construction and saw it going up. Then, when he stopped recording, he heard a ‘pop’ sound and saw the collapse.

“I saw a blue piece of the crane that was being hoisted up, 20 minutes before it happened. All of a sudden I hear a pop,” said Taub. “And then I see the piece tumbling and tumbling down.”

Taub said he’s never seen anything like that and is shocked that additional people were not hurt as a result of the collapse.

“The bridge was full, I mean cars going in each direction, so it’s just amazing that more vehicles were not affected and more people,” said Taub.

A man and woman who live on the ninth floor of the building in front of the construction site also spoke to 7News They said they saw the moment the crane fell from their balcony.

“All of a sudden, I look outside, and in slow motion, you see the crane falling, and I screamed ‘Oh, my God’, and I see it fall right on top of the car,” said the woman. “Right away, you can see the driver walk away, but you can hear her screaming, but it was so scary to witness.”

“The big crane was falling down, and it looked like when it hit the bridge, it broke in part. There is a portion of the crane near the construction site, and the other one that hit the bridge bounced off the Tesla and then bounced up and hit the van,” said the man. “We drive this every day, so it’s a pretty scary thing to think.”

Both said they heard a loud noise prior to the crane collapsing.

Another woman, Cheryl Insalaco, heard the collapse from her Fort Lauderdale high-rise and saw the police response unfold.

“I saw policeman in every direction. They were coming from the New River, they were underneath the bridge,” said Insalaco.

She said several cars were on the bridge at the time because it is a busy area for traffic, especially during rush hour.

“They have to repair the bridge. We don’t know when they’re going to be able to open that up. Then you have all these boats going east and west,” said Insalaco.

Alexa Santos, who lives directly above the construction site, said she was eating lunch with a family member when she heard the commotion.

“We were having lunch downstairs, minding our business. All of a sudden, we hear a lot of commotion, crash, we heard the air horn go off, which usually we know, from living here, signifies that work is done for the day,” she said. “It was 4:30. We were like ‘Hmm, that’s weird. Are they done?’ All of a sudden, dozens of cops, ambulances, everybody starts swarming the area right where we were having lunch, right downstairs. We went outside, saw a huge scene, crazy commotion, and when we put two and two together, that a piece of the crane had fallen down, we were like, ‘Oh, my God, this is what we’ve been afraid of the entire time.'”

The crane is secured, according to officials.

On Thursday night, 7News cameras captured crews inspecting the crane and putting it down on a flatbed.

Crews removed the piece of the crane that landed on the minivan, and both vehicles involved have since been towed away. Crews also cleaned up the debris from the scene.

An investigation is underway. Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Transportation are also investigating.

City of Miami Police said reports of the man near Northwest 29th Street and 13th Avenue came in around 7 a.m. on Wednesday.

According to police, the cellphone company called authorities when they found out a man was impersonating an employee.

Around 11 a.m., the man was brought down and interviewed by police.

“He apologized, and right now the negotiating team is talking to him,” said Miami Police Officer Michael Vega.

Detectives said the man, identified as 38-year-old Richard Smith, shut off the cell tower, causing an alarm to go off.

The sirens prompted a real T-Mobile worker to be dispatched to the transmitter and check on the situation. When the worker arrived, they found Smith who tried to convince the T-Mobile worker to climb with him.

“The T-Mobile worker gets on the scene and sees that where you turn on and off the power, it was shut of — so, this was manually done — and notices that there’s somebody on the tower,” added Vega. “He starts talking about God and [asks the worker], ‘Please, see the view with me.'”

Video footage captured Smith, wearing a vibrant red shirt, climbing the tower like a jungle gym level by level, as high up as 150 feet in the air, with a Bible tucked in his waistband.

“It’s crazy, like Spider-Man.” said onlooker Nima Zandy.

“He tampered with the equipment up there. He threw things down, he wasn’t listening to officers’ commands to come down,” said Vega.

At one point, he was seen unhooking clamps that connect power to the cell tower.

“Those gray boxes that you see up on the tower, they are actually very hot,” said Vega. “So he knows what he’s doing, because he’s avoiding touching those boxes.”

Officials said that some cellphone services may be affected by this incident. Authorities were forced to block off the nearby area as they investigated.

“He was saying that, ‘I’ve got a job to do, I’ve got to finish my job,'” said Vega.

Although he was seen throwing objects off the tower, Smith’s intentions remain unknown.

Crisis negotiators spent about four hours speaking with Smith.

Meanwhile, local business owners like Zandy, who works for Keto Kitchen | 2GO, were also affected.

“The delivery guy had to park all the way over there, and then we had to come with everything,” he said. “It was really complicated.”

When he came down, at around 11 a.m., Smith thanked the first responders there.

“Once he felt that his job was done, then he came down voluntarily, shook hands with the officers, with the firefighters there,” said Vega. “He thanked them all and cooperated 100% with us.”

T-Mobile released the following statement:

After our systems alerted us that there was a service issue at this site, which we and other providers lease from a vendor, our field technician responded, determined that there was an unauthorized entry, and called local authorities. We are grateful to the Miami Police Department and Miami Fire Rescue for their response and will continue to support their investigation. Fortunately, everyone is safe and overlapping coverage in the area will continue to ensure customers remain connected.

T-Mobile

After he came down, Smith was taken into custody to get checked out by paramedics.

He was charged with burglary of unoccupied structure and criminal mischief over $1,000.

The crime scene tape at the home in Plantation’s Jacaranda Lakes neighborhood is gone, but the horror of what unfolded inside is coming to light.

Plantation Police on Monday released the arrest affidavit for 40-year-old Jean Carlos Aponte.

The suspect was last seen in court Sunday in a suicide prevention gown, after he was charged with premeditated first-degree murder for the deaths of his wife, Sara Ashley Gama, and their 2-year-old son Ethan.

“Mr. Aponte, I do find probable cause. I reviewed the paperwork this morning, two counts of premeditated murder of two individuals,” said Broward Circuit Court Judge Elijah Williams.

That probable cause comes from the details in the new report. It goes on to say that Gama suffered “twenty-eight (28) stab wounds,” killing her.

The report states Gama put up a fight. It says she had “defensive wounds on both hands.”

As for Ethan, who would have turned 3 in April, the report states he also suffered from “stab wounds,” and he also had “defensive injuries to his left hand.”

However, the report states that the toddler’s ultimate cause of death was “determined to be sharp force injury and drowning.”

Investigators said Gama’s father discovered the horrific scene. They said he found Gama lying in the kitchen not breathing and Aponte unconscious in the master bedroom.

But it was police who found Ethan face down in the swimming pool.

“He was a beautiful little boy, and I never heard anything,” said Gilda Howell, who knows the family. “They were – he was always outside. They played all the time; I was across the street with the kids all the time ’cause they would go back and forth. This is a very friendly – I’m sorry, I’m just so devastated.”

The report states officers found Aponte with a “faint pulse.” He was given Narcan because he appeared to be suffering from a narcotic overdose and taken to the hospital, where he now is set to face the consequences.

Meanwhile, neighbors are trying to process how a husband and father could commit such a crime.

“How does this happen? What happened?” said Howell.

The couple also had a newborn baby. Police said the infant was unharmed and is currently living with grandparents.

Police in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Davie said they responded to a medical emergency at Davis’ home Monday morning, but the 35-year-old was dead when officers arrived. No cause of death has been released pending autopsy results. Police said in a statement that the investigation is still active.

Davis played for 10 seasons in the NFL after being drafted 25th overall by the Dolphins in 2009 out of Illinois.

“We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis and extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones during this difficult time,” the Dolphins wrote in a statement on social media.

Davis played three seasons for Miami before being traded to Indianapolis just before the 2012 season. He played six seasons with the Colts. Team owner Jim Irsay offered his prayers to Davis’ family in a statement and shared a photo of Davis in a Colts jersey on social media.

“Extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Vontae Davis. A great guy, teammate, player,” Irsay wrote.

The Colts also issued a statement saying they were devastated to hear of Davis’ death.

“He was a standout player in his six seasons with the Horseshoe, but he was an even better teammate who carried a smile and positive energy every day,” the team said.

The Washington, D.C., native signed with the Buffalo Bills for 2018 but left the team at halftime of the season’s second game. He released a statement announcing his retirement after the game, saying that after multiple injuries and surgeries, “Reality hit me fast and hard: I shouldn’t be out there anymore.”

The Bills said they were saddened to learn of Davis’ death and that they were “thinking of his friends, family, and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Davis played in 121 games, intercepting 22 passes and returning one for a touchdown. He was selected for the Pro Bowl in 2014 and 2015 while a member of Indianapolis.

The suspect, Brendan Paul, was described in a recent lawsuit and was arrested on Monday.

He was charged with one count of possession of suspected cocaine and another of possession of suspected marijuana candy after federal agents intercepted Combs’ plane at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.

This was also the last place Combs was seen in public since after the music mogul’s Star Island home in Miami Beach and his Los Angeles home were raided on Monday by federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations.

The searches were connected to an investigation by federal authorities in New York as part of a sex trafficking probe.

A Los Angeles resident and Combs’ neighbor weighed in on what he’s been seeing next door in recent months.

“I’ve seen black suburbans, Uber drivers, private drivers between 1-3 a.m., Ryan Mendelsohn said. “Sometimes earlier, sometimes later, but I’ve seen girls get out of the car in swimsuits, swimwear and bathing suits sometimes.”

According to TMZ, they reported that Combs’ private jet was spotted in Antigua Monday night.

All these events stemming after several sexual assault lawsuits were filed against Combs in recent months.

Combs’ former protege and girlfriend, R&B singer Cassie Ventura, sued him last year, alleging years of sex abuse and rape.

“Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct,” said the lawyer for Cassie and Jane Doe.

In February, producer Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones, who was seen working out beside Combs, filed a lawsuit against the star claiming that Combs, his staff, and music executives knew about and were involved in illicit and unwanted sexual activities in Florida, New York, California and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

7News cameras on Tuesday captured activity at Combs’ Star Island home, where some house personnel were leaving the property and black SUVs were seen going in and out of the property as they dropped off, or possibly, picked up people in the home.

TMZ released footage taken from inside of Combs’ California mansion showing the aftermath of the raid. Deconstructed computers, messy, ransacked desks, furniture, cabinets, and open safes and drawers can be seen in the video as Homeland Security officials carried out their investigation.

“They had to present a probable cause statement before a magistrate judge, they had to produce some evidence that they were going to find evidence of criminal activity in his home,” said Attorney Areva Martin.

Combs’ attorney released a public statement for the first time on Tuesday stating the raids of his homes were “excessive” use of “military-level” force.

“Yesterday, there was a gross overuse of military-level force as search warrants were executed at Mr. Combs’ residences. There is no excuse for the excessive show of force and hostility exhibited by authorities or the way his children and employees were treated. Mr. Combs was never detained but spoke to and cooperated with authorities. Despite media speculation, neither Mr. Combs nor any of his family members have been arrested nor has their ability to travel been restricted in any way. This unprecedented ambush — paired with an advanced, coordinated media presence — leads to a premature rush to judgment of Mr. Combs and is nothing more than a witch hunt based on meritless accusations made in civil lawsuits. There has been no finding of criminal or civil liability with any of these allegations. Mr. Combs is innocent and will continue to fight every single day to clear his name.”

Aaron Dyer, Diddy’s attorney

Sons Justin Dior Combs, 30, and King Combs, 25, were seen handcuffed outside their father’s Los Angeles mansion during Monday’s raid.

Currently, Combs has private security guarding his Star Island home that belongs to his security personnel.

Combs has not been charged with a crime and has not spoken out publicly addressing the investigation.

Authorities arrived at the scene in the area of Northwest 97th Ave and Northwest 10th Street, Tuesday afternoon in Jacaranda Lakes.

According to police, a woman and child were found inside deceased by “traumatic means.”

Police said an unconscious male, identified as 40-year-old Jean Carlos Aponte, was transported to the hospital after he was found alive but possibly amid a drug overdose.

As of 10 p.m., the man was in the hospital. Police hope to speak to him as soon as they can. He was listed in critical condition.

On Wednesday, Plantation Police identified the identified as 38-year-old Sara Ashley Gama and her 2-year-old son, Ethan Aponte.

Investigators combed through the home as they focused on different areas such as the pool, which was blocked by a tarp.

Neighbors tried to make sense of what happened as they said the family appeared close and loving.

“That’s what I’d like to know, how does this happen? What happened? They played all the time,” said Gilda Howell. “I was across the street with the kids all the time cause they would go back and forth. This is a very friendly, I’m sorry, I’m just so devastated.”

John Goodish said the man in the home helped him out when he was unable to drive and the families would socialize.

“This is beyond shocking. This is absolutely total shock,” said Goodish. “Round peg going in a square hole does not fit at all. Nice couple. Me and my wife, we had dinner out, we had a nice dinner locally. So I’m just sitting in my chair right now going through my head going through everything what happened.”

Goodish said a few weeks ago, he asked the man to go to lunch.

“I asked him if he wanted to a beer, he said ‘Yeah, I’ll come get you.’ He was fine,” said Goodish.

Another neighbor said the incident is a reminder that some are struggling and in pain behind closed doors.

“Open communication, sympathy, empathy, caring, all that goes a long way,” said a woman.

Neighbors said that in addition to having a 2-year-old boy, the couple recently had a baby boy, and they believe he is safe with family.

7News cameras captured the medical examiner’s staff and investigators continuing their investigation late into the night. One body was removed on Tuesday night.

Police said they were not looking for any subjects as the incident came from the home. Authorities have not provided more information as of Wednesday as this homicide investigation is in its preliminary stages.

Leah Funke was safely recovered by police, Tuesday morning.

She was last seen wearing a tank top and pants on Monday.

The ship’s crew issued a mayday call moments before the crash took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge, enabling authorities to limit vehicle traffic on the span, Maryland’s governor said.

As the vessel neared the bridge, puffs of black smoke could be seen as the lights flickered on and off. It struck one of the bridge’s supports, causing the structure to collapse like a toy, and a section of the span came to rest on the bow.

With the ship barreling toward the bridge at “a very, very rapid speed,” authorities had just enough time to stop cars from coming over the bridge, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said.

“These people are heroes,” Moore said. “They saved lives last night.”

In the evening, Col. Roland L. Butler Jr., superintendent for Maryland State Police, announced that the search and rescue mission was transitioning to one of search and recovery. He also said the search was being put on pause and divers would return to the site at 6 a.m. Wednesday, when challenging overnight conditions were expected to improve. No bodies have been recovered, Butler said.

The crash happened in the middle of the night, long before the busy morning commute on the bridge that stretches 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers) and was used by 12 million vehicles last year.

The six missing people were part of a construction crew filling potholes on the bridge, said Paul Wiedefeld, the state’s transportation secretary.

Guatemala’s consulate in Maryland said in a statement that two were Guatemalan citizens working on the bridge. It did not provide their names but said consular officials were in contact with local authorities and assisting the families.

A senior executive at the company that employed the workers also said, in the afternoon, that the workers were presumed dead given the water’s depth and how much time had passed.

Jeffrey Pritzker, executive vice president of Brawner Builders, said the crew was working in the middle of the bridge when it came down.

“This was so completely unforeseen,” Pritzker said. “We don’t know what else to say. We take such great pride in safety, and we have cones and signs and lights and barriers and flaggers.”

Jesus Campos, who has worked on the bridge for Brawner Builders and knows members of the crew, said he was told they were on a break and some were sitting in their trucks.

“I know that a month ago, I was there, and I know what it feels like when the trailers pass,” Campos said. “Imagine knowing that is falling. It is so hard. One would not know what to do.”

Father Ako Walker, a Roman Catholic priest at Sacred Heart of Jesus, said he spent time with the families of the missing workers as they waited for news of their loved ones.

“You can see the pain etched on their faces,” Walker said.

Rescuers pulled two people out of the water, one of whom was treated at a hospital and discharged hours later. Multiple vehicles also went into the river, although authorities did not believe anyone was inside.

“It looked like something out of an action movie,” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott said, calling it “an unthinkable tragedy.”

A police dispatcher put out a call just before the collapse saying a ship had lost its steering and asked officers to stop all traffic on the bridge, according to Maryland Transportation Authority first responder radio traffic obtained from the Broadcastify.com archive.

One officer who stopped traffic radioed that he was going to drive onto the bridge to alert the construction crew. But seconds later, a frantic officer said: “The whole bridge just fell down. Start, start whoever, everybody … the whole bridge just collapsed.”

On a separate radio channel for maintenance and construction workers, someone said officers were stopping traffic because a ship had lost steering. There was no follow-up order to evacuate, and 30 seconds later the bridge fell and the channel went silent.

From 1960 to 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses worldwide due to ship or barge collisions, according to the World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure.

Tuesday’s collapse is sure to create a logistical nightmare along the East Coast for months, if not years, shutting down ship traffic at the Port of Baltimore, a major hub. The loss of the bridge will also snarl cargo and commuter traffic.

“Losing this bridge will devastate the entire area, as well as the entire East Coast,” state Sen. Johnny Ray Salling said.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said at a news conference that it was too soon to estimate how long it will take to clear the channel, which is about 50 feet (15 meters) deep.

“I do not know of a bridge that has been constructed to withstand a direct impact from a vessel of this size,” he said.

The Dali, which was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka and flying under a Singapore flag, is about 985 feet (300 meters) long and about 157 feet (48 meters) wide, according to according to data from Marine Traffic.

Synergy Marine Group, which manages the ship, confirmed that it hit a pillar of the bridge at about 1:30 a.m. while in control of one or more pilots, who are local specialists who help guide vessels safely into and out of ports. The ship is owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd.

Synergy said all crew members and the two pilots on board were accounted for, and there were no reports of any injuries.

The ship was moving at 8 knots, roughly 9 mph (14.8 kph), the governor said.

Inspectors found a problem with the Dali’s machinery in June, but a more recent examination did not identify any deficiencies, according to the shipping information system Equasis.

Danish shipping giant Maersk said it had chartered the vessel.

Jagged remnants of the bridge could be seen jutting up from the water in the aftermath of the collapse. The on-ramp ended abruptly where the span once began.

Donald Heinbuch, a retired chief with Baltimore’s fire department, said he was startled awake by a deep rumbling that shook his house for several seconds and “felt like an earthquake.” He drove to the river’s edge and couldn’t believe what he saw.

“The ship was there, and the bridge was in the water, like it was blown up,” he said.

The bridge spans the Patapsco River at the entrance to the busy harbor, which leads to the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Opened in 1977, the bridge is named for the writer of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Wiedefeld said all vessel traffic into and out of the port would be suspended until further notice, though the facility was still open to trucks.

President Joe Biden said he planned to travel to Baltimore and intends for the federal government to pick up the entire cost of rebuilding.

“This is going to take some time,” Biden said.

The Dali was headed from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, and flying under a Singapore flag, according to data from Marine Traffic. The container ship is about 985 feet (300 meters) long and about 157 feet (48 meters) wide, according to the website.

Inspectors found a problem with the Dali’s machinery in June, but a more recent examination did not identify any deficiencies, according to the shipping information system Equasis.

Danish shipping giant Maersk said it had chartered the vessel.

Last year the Port of Baltimore handled a record 52.3 million tons of foreign cargo worth $80 billion, according to the state.

The head of a supply chain management company said Americans should expect shortages of goods from the collapse’s effect on ocean container shipping and East Coast trucking.

“It’s not just the port of Baltimore that’s going to be impacted,” said Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport.

The collapse, though, is not likely to hurt worldwide trade because Baltimore is not a major port for container vessels. its its facilities are more important when it comes to goods such as farm equipment and autos, said Judah Levine, head of research for global freight booking platform Freightos.

For some people, work is a foul four-letter word. For Paul Morales, that four-letter word is like.

Paul Morales: “I’m a hard worker, I work every day, I take passion in what I do and they know that.”

Paul owns Super Shine Car Wash and for six years, you could find him every day at the Market Plaza in Pembroke Pines.

Paul Morales: “I like things to be, you know, perfect, clean, calm, very. I clean from the inside and outside.”

The property owner let him park here, and then one day, he got a warning letter from the city regarding the mobile car wash.

Carlene Morales: “He received, a violation and they’re going to charge him $1,000 a day. They said that we need to show our local business license.”

Carlene went down to city hall and showed their license.

Carlene Morales: “So I gave it to her, she did everything. So I thought everything was OK.”

Paul Morales: “The lady in the place said I can go back to work. Good to go.”

Paul started cleaning cars again.

A month later, Pembroke Pines sent the landlord a new warning that the car wash had to be a part of the development plan of the plaza, which is nearly impossible.

Carlene Morales: “For us to be a part of development, that means it’s a new plaza.”

Pembroke Pines also sent out people to tell Paul to get out.

Paul Morales: “Oh, no, no, no, you guys have to move. Now, now, now, now, I’m going to call the police.”

Paul left with his work van and left confused.

Carlene Morales: “We’ve been in that plaza for six years. We’ve never had any issue. So why now? What is the problem?”

Carlene couldn’t get an answer, so she drew her own conclusion about why they had to go.

Carlene Morales: “They go after certain people and certain people they leave alone and I just feel like they are sabotaging us, particularly.”

No money is coming in to pay the bills. No idea why they were kicked out.

So, is it legal, Howard?

Howard Finkelstein, 7News legal expert: “Yes, it is. This is an example of a city trying to balance regulating businesses while at the same time allowing people to make a living free of those regulations. In this case, the city is trying to control what type of businesses can operate and where. The problem for Paul, is his mobile car wash is in the same spot every day moving him into a different category and giving the city the right to regulate him.”

Pembroke Pines denied they were targeting Paul after six years at this location. That legally the city doesn’t consider them a mobile car wash because they are in the same spot every day.

Instead, Pembroke Pines calls them a manual car wash that is not allowed without a zoning variance, which can be expensive and difficult to get.

But manual car washes are only allowed at places like golf courses, car dealerships, and service stations. But Carlene says that didn’t work for them.

Carlene Morales: “And then when you go around that, it’s it’s a different story. They said it’s not allowed.”

Paul and Carlene are now giving up on Pembroke Pines and the hard-working couple are looking for a new location.

Carlene Morales: “Well, you know, if there’s anybody that would love to host us, I would love for them to give us a call.”

If you have a property and would like a reliable mobile car wash on it, Paul is ready. Let us know.

Feel soaked and washed out? Don’t want a watered-down way out? We are mobile and can come in to make a splash to leave you with a shiny solution.

With this Help Me Howard, I’m Patrick Fraser, 7News.

CONTACT HELP ME HOWARD:
Email: helpmehoward@wsvn.com
Reporter: Patrick Fraser at pfraser@wsvn.com
Miami-Dade: 305-953-WSVN
Broward: 954-761-WSVN

It’s not clear whether Combs was the target of the investigation. The officials were not authorized to publicly discuss details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

In a statement, Homeland Security Investigations said it “executed law enforcement actions as part of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from HSI Los Angeles, HSI Miami, and our local law enforcement partners.”

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Manhattan declined to comment.

Messages to Combs’ lawyers and other representatives seeking comment were not immediately returned.

A police line was set up around the Los Angeles house in the wealthy Holmby Hills neighborhood near Beverly Hills. Helicopter video from KABC-TV showed a group of agents with vests that indicated they were from Homeland Security Investigations gathered in the home’s backyard near the pool. A command post was set up outside the house and agents were still entering and leaving hours after the search began.

There have been several sexual assault lawsuits filed against Combs in recent months.

In February a music producer filed a lawsuit alleging Combs coerced him to solicit prostitutes and pressured him to have sex with them. Combs’ attorney Shawn Holley has said of those allegations that “we have overwhelming, indisputable proof that his claims are complete lies.”

Combs’ former protege and girlfriend, the R&B singer Cassie, sued him in November alleging years of sexual abuse, including rape. The lawsuit said he forced her to have sex with male prostitutes while he filmed them. The suit was settled the day after it was filed.

Another of Combs’ accusers was a woman who said the rap producer raped her two decades ago when she was 17.

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused unless they come forward publicly as Cassie did.

Combs had said in a December statement, “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.”

Douglas Wigdor, an attorney who represents Cassie and another woman who sued Combs, said in a statement Monday, “Hopefully, this is the beginning of a process that will hold Mr. Combs responsible for his depraved conduct.”

It is not clear whether the search is related to any of the allegations raised in the lawsuits.

Combs is among the most influential hip-hop producers and executives of the past three decades. Formerly known as Puff Daddy, he built one of hip-hop’s biggest empires, blazing a trail with several entities attached to his famous name. He is the founder of Bad Boy Records and a three-time Grammy winner who has worked with a slew of top-tier artists including Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, Usher, Lil Kim, Faith Evans and 112.

Combs created the fashion clothing line Sean John, launched the Revolt TV channel with a focus on music, and produced the reality show “Making the Band” for MTV.

His latest album, “The Love Album – Off the Grid,” was released last year days after Combs was honored at the MTV VMAs. It was nominated for best progressive R&B album at February’s Grammy Awards, which the rapper-mogul did not attend.

The entertainment industry has been beset with a steady stream of career-ending sexual misconduct allegations in the years since stories about movie mogul Harvey Weinstein spawned the #MeToo movement in 2017. Weinstein and “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson are each serving prison sentences after rape convictions. Dozens of civil lawsuits have been filed against prominent figures.

The music industry has not faced a reckoning to the same degree, but singer and producer R. Kelly is serving a prison sentence for sexually abusing young fans, seven women have sued hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons alleging he raped them and two women have sued Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler alleging sexual assault.

Weinstein, Masterson and Kelly are appealing their convictions, and Simmons has denied all of the allegations against him. One lawsuit against Tyler has been dismissed and he is contesting the other.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

Miami Gardens Police responded to a report of domestic battery at the 3800 block of Northwest 177th Street on Sunday afternoon.

Authorities said that upon arrival, officers were informed by the female suspect, later identified as Kaity Maldonado, that she had stabbed the victim, identified as the father of her child, multiple times following an escalated argument turned physical altercation.

The victim was airlifted by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Maldonado is facing second-degree murder charges.

7 Skyforce hovered over the scene Monday morning in Miami, where the driver first eluded Miami-Dade Police after being told to stop.

The pursuit continued throughout Miami as the driver weaved in and out of traffic.

“As you see him go on the wrong side of the roadway there. Police officers corralling him,” said 7Skyforce Reporter Ralph Rayburn.

Officers decided to follow the ATV driver from a safe distance to protect other drivers on the busy road.

“They are following now and what we heard them say is ‘We’ll just follow him until he runs out of gas'” said Rayburn.

The driver was then seen heading northbound on Interstate 95.

At one point, 7News cameras captured the driver appearing to check how much gas he had left.

Several police helicopters were also above the scene as they continued their pursuit and three police cruisers were also seen following the driver on the highway.

The Florida Highway Patrol was notified about the incident, as well as the Broward Sheriff’s Office, as the driver made his way towards Broward County.

As the rider continued his trek, at one point he exited I-95 and headed eastbound on Stirling Road.

“He goes through the intersection, now he’s going to be coming westbound underneath us,” said Rayburn.

7Skyforce continued to follow the driver as he returned to I-95.

“He’s gonna have the upper-hand as far as wheeling through and around traffic with that ATV. He’s going off road there. Right, there he goes, on cue. And around those vehicles that are stopped at the intersection,” said Rayburn.

An FHP trooper could also be seen pursuing the rider.

The rider was seen riding through big trucks and driving the wrong way on I-95.

“He’s traveling northbound. All those cars are traveling southbound,” said Rayburn.

The driver is seen driving over express lane poles and crossed through incoming traffic.

He then exited West Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale. He drove on the sidewalk until he finally stopped and put his hands in the air.

“Looks like he’s going to give up the ghost here,” said Rayburn.

The driver eventually stopped in Fort Lauderdale and was swiftly taken into custody.

“Officers getting him to stop, now they are gonna knock him to the ground and secure him and make sure he’s not carrying any weapons,” said Rayburn.

7News cameras captured the suspect being handcuffed.

Drivers on their morning commute described the Monday madness they witnessed.

“I was so shocked. I just stood there in silence,” said Shamari Nelson. “Everything happened so fast.”

Nelson said the officers did their job.

“Impressive how policemen did their jobs,” said Nelson.

No injuries were reported.

FHP has identified the suspect as 18-year-old Anthony Angel Perez. He faces multiple charges including resisting an officer, moving traffic violation, and fleeing police.

According to police, authorities responded to the hospital around 2:30 a.m. and found a man with gunshot wounds.

Investigators said they believe the man was shot near Northwest 12th Avenue and 71st Street when he drove himself to the hospital.

The man was listed in stable condition, stated officials.

Video footage showed a vehicle with several bullet holes and Miami Police cars stationed outside of the hospital blocked off with yellow tape. The car was eventually towed away.

Crime scene investigators were also at the scene to help figure out what unfolded.

It remains unclear what occurred regarding this situation but officials have been contacted for more information.

No arrest have been made.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, shots rang out at Players Sports Bar & Grill, located along the 5200 block of North State Road 7, at around 3:45 a.m. on Sunday.

Investigators said the three victims took themselves to two different area hospitals with gunshot wounds. One of them succumbed to his injuries.

Officials said the other patients suffered injuries that were not life-threatening.

If you have any information on this shooting or the whereabouts of the subject or subjects involved, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

Then the weather conditions deteriorated.

Friday night, Ultra organizers posted an announcement on social media confirming the three-day event was shutting down early on day one due to the lightning and strong winds moving through the region. Organizers asked attendees to “calmly leave the park now.”

Hours before it shut down, 7News cameras captured festivalgoers wearing raincoats and ponchos shortly after gates opened.

“It is like dead pouring out here, and it’s gonna get way worse, but we do not care, baby. It’s Ultra, Day One. Let’s go,” said Gio Shultz, who is visiting from Canada.

“It’s fantastic. First time in Miami, first time in Ultra Festival,” said Alejandro Valley, who is visiting from Italy.

Many revelers were still in their vibrant outfits as they waited to get into the venue.

“I figured if I’m gonna get wet, why not just get wet?” said Hanna Glen, who is visiting from Oregon.

“It is sticky but manageable,” said Miami resident Michelle Smith.

Organizers provided attendees with ponchos for purchase inside the festival grounds.

“I’m actually warm right now,” said Kolby Barber, who is visiting from Oregon.

“I like the rain. I think it makes it more exciting,” said Miami resident Dale Rucker.

Gates opened at 3:30 p.m., and 7SkyForce flew over the scene earlier to see people line up to get in despite the washout. Thousands more are expected throughout the weekend.

Festivalgoers said the rain will not kill their vibe.

“If you aren’t here, you gotta be here. Let’s go!” said Rucker.

Though some don’t mind the gloomy weather, others said they’re a bit bummed.

“So far, it’s not the best experience, but we have to work with what we have you know,” said one festivalgoer.

After night fell, the skies opened up, and the rain and gusty winds intensified, prompting organizers to hit the pause button.

Some attendees understood the shutdown as a safety concern, while others were bummed to stop the party early.

“Pretty sad. We came out all the way from California. It started out OK, but then the rain got heavy towards the end,” said one festivalgoer.

“Upset is not the right word, just kinda sucks, but it is OK, because it will be out here tomorrow,” said another festivalgoer.

Once the festival resumes, Ultra organizers advise attendees to use rideshare services due to traffic delays. For more information about road closures near Bayfront Park, click here.

According to BSO detectives, 26-year-old Jereome Downing, along with associates, rented equipment from multiple Home Depot stores across Florida using false identities.

Detectives said that they subsequently sold the rented items on an online marketplace, victimizing Home Depot outlets in Oakland Park, West Park and various Broward County jurisdictions.

BSO detectives, in collaboration with the Florida Office of Statewide Prosecution, estimate losses exceeding $460,000 to Home Depot and additional damages to buyers of the stolen merchandise. Investigators said they documented the theft and sale of 21 pieces of heavy machinery.

On Tuesday, BSO detectives, in conjunction with Miami-Dade Organized Retail Crime detectives, apprehended Downing in Fort Lauderdale on a warrant for two dozen criminal charges related to the fraudulent scheme.

BSO said that the investigation remains ongoing, with further arrests anticipated.

Aerial footage from 7Skyforce showed a heavy police presence surrounding the hotel along Southeast 17th Street, just west of the causeway, approaching 15th Avenue, Thursday morning.

According to Fort Lauderdale Police Chief William Schultz, the incident began around 7:39 a.m. when police were notified via a text to 911 of a suspicious incident.

“The caller reported that he had killed someone inside the hotel room,” said Schultz.

When officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, investigators said, they were met with gunfire.

“Shots were fired at the officers at that time. Our officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, at which time the suspect barricaded himself in that same room,” said Schultz.

Investigators said an officer was hit and rushed to the hospital.

“Coming in as a shooting call. It’s gonna be for an officer down,” a dispatcher was heard saying in radio transmissions.

“Look at this [expletive], bro. Like, look,” a man is heard saying in cellphone video showing a Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue ambulance pulling into the hotel.

Thankfully, the officer’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Back at the hotel, police called in the department’s SWAT unit.

“A SWAT call was initiated and entry was made. The suspect was discovered dead inside the room,” said Schultz.

FLPD identified the suspect as 46-year-old Karl Chludinsky of Margate.

Police said that no one else was inside the room at the time of the shooting.

The injured officer was transported by FLFR to Broward Health Medical Center, where he was treated and released. A second officer suffered minor injuries unrelated to gunfire and was treated on the scene by FLFR. Both officers are adult males.

The shooting takes place as college students descend on Fort Lauderdale Beach to enjoy spring break. The hotel, located blocks away from the sand, was far from empty at the time of the incident.

Two young men who are staying at the hotel spoke with 7News hours after the incident.

“We thought that someone was banging on our door. We heard it, we jumped on the floor, and we just laid there,” said a guest.

“Just gunfire, just, ‘boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom,'” said the other guest.

Before they cleared and reopened the busy road, police towed a white pickup truck from the hotel’s parking lot.

In total, three Fort Lauderdale Police officers fired their duty weapons in response to the incident. All three will be placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is now investigating the incident.

Germikia Denise Freeman, 32, and Charles Nathaniel Webb Jr., 37, were charged with child abuse with no great bodily harm, trespassing on school grounds after being given a warning and education institution interference.

Freeman and Webb both appeared before a judge.

“Ma’am, if you’re going there to pick up your children, you better just go there and pick up your child and not have any problems, OK?” said Judge Mindy Glazer. “If you see someone fighting with your children, you need to go to the office and report it to the administration. Remember, don’t pick up any new law violations because if you do, you’ll be locked up in jail until your trial. If you see someone jumping your kids, make a complaint in the office, call the school resource officer. But don’t get involved yourself as much as it may hurt you.”

According to the arrest report, the incident happened on Friday at Poinciana Park Elementary School, located at 6745 NW 23rd Ave., when a witness told an officer that Freeman was fighting a student in the school’s parking lot.

The report stated that Freeman was picking up her sons in the school’s parking lot when she saw one of her sons fighting a classmate there. She then ran to where her son was fighting the classmate, grabbed the student and, “violently thrust him back and forth causing the victim to fall to the ground.”

Webb was also at the scene and police stated that he grabbed a student, “by his shirt and pinned him to the hood of a vehicle,” that was in the parking lot. He proceeded to, “turn to another kid and punched him in the nose area.”

Freeman, the report said, was given several verbal requests to leave the school but she did not comply and was yelling loudly in front of the parking lot, which disrupted the daily school dismissal.

The school’s administration and security left their posts to investigate the incident.

Freeman, her sons and Webb then walked to their vehicle and left the scene.

When the two returned to the school on Monday, both of them were taken into police custody and were transported to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Webb told Glazer that his kids are being bullied. At least one parent, who wanted to remain anonymous, said she has seen the couple’s kids get jumped repeatedly by other students.

“This is happening so many times,” said the parent. “They’re scared to walk home because how bad these kids bully them.”

Glazer told the parents instead of them, the school should had been more involved to stop the fight.

“Unfortunately it was a school fight and the school should have been more involved to stop the fight,” said Glazer.

Miami-Dade County Public Schools released the following statement:

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is aware of an incident involving students and other individuals at Poinciana Park Elementary after school hours last week. The students involved were disciplined according to the Code of Student Conduct and the other individuals have been arrested. M-DCPS works diligently to promote core values such as respect and integrity among students. We urge parents to do their part by acting responsibly and serving as good role models for their children. Students are also reminded that negative behaviors may result in life-altering consequences.

M-DCPS

Freeman and Webb will be released from jail while they wait for their next day in court. Both parents were ordered to stay away from the students involved.

According to the parents, they have reported the bullying several times to the school but it has continued. They plan on relocating their sons to another school.

Miramar Police and Miramar Fire Rescue arrived at the scene, located in the area of 3200 SW 66th Way, just before noon, Tuesday.

“Police from Miramar calling it a drive-by shooting. You see the white Bentley down there with the doors open. We were staying wider with our shot but we’ve determined that that’s oil there on the ground because the front of the car is also shot up. You could see the bullet holes inside,” said 7Skyforce Ralph Rayburn.

7Skyforce hovered over the scene, where a white Bentley parked in the driveway of a residence was seen riddled with bullets.

The young man was transported to the trauma center at Memorial Regional Hospital. He was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

7News cameras showed Miramar Police marking the shell casing surrounding the car.

Everyone that was inside the house has been evacuated by police and some are talking with them.

According to police, one of the people that came out of the house is a child.

Earlier in the day, a SWAT situation emerged as some of the people inside the home where the Bentley was parked refused to exit the home.

“Four of them did come out on their own but two were uncooperative,” said Miramar Police Informational Officer Tania Ordaz.

Police blocked several blocks around the house as children tried to get home from school.

Neighbors described what they heard.

“I heard five or six shots, bam, bam, bam, and then I heard two more,” said a woman.

“It’s not a safe environment,” said another woman. “It happened in the same street where we lived.”

Police said the shooter is on the loose as they continue investigating the shooting.

“We are asking the community for their help. This is something that happened in the middle of the day, in a residential area, that unfortunately, it should’ve never happened,” said Ordaz.

Police are waiting for a search warrant to enter the home to see if there is anything else they can learn.

No suspects have been named.

If you have any information on this crime, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

DeSantis is a frequent critic of the Biden administration over its handling of the Mexican border, sending Florida law enforcement agents and National Guard members to Texas. The Republican governor, who ended his attempt for his party’s presidential nomination last month, has also flown immigrants who entered Texas illegally to Massachusetts and California.

“We do not tolerate illegal immigration, let alone lawlessness committed by illegal aliens who shouldn’t be here in the first place. The bills I signed (Friday) further enhance Florida’s capabilities to uphold the law,” DeSantis said.

The governor tied the driver’s license bill signed Friday to a Florida law that already bars immigrants in the country illegally from obtaining one. It increases the maximum sentence for anyone convicted of driving without a license twice or more from 60 days in jail to a year — this also applies to U.S. citizens and immigrants in the country legally.

Some immigrant support groups have criticized the bill, saying it endangers the public’s safety as many immigrants barred from getting a license will still drive — they just won’t have been tested or buy insurance. Nineteen states and Washington, D.C., issue driver’s licenses to immigrants who are in the country illegally, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

“True safety is achieved through comprehensive measures such as driver education, issuing driver’s licenses to all qualified drivers, and access to insurance — not through punitive enforcement,” Renata Bozzetto of the Florida Immigrant Coalition said in a recent statement. “Rather than criminalizing individuals, the Republican legislature in Florida should work to invest in initiatives that promote driver safety, address disparities in the licensing process, and ensure equitable access to transportation for all residents.”

Another bill increases the maximum prison sentences for immigrants who are convicted of felonies after having been previously deported from the country for illegal entry.

For example, such immigrants convicted of low-level felonies like simple burglary or car theft would face a maximum sentence of 15 years instead of the five-year sentence that is the crime’s normal maximum. Such immigrants convicted of mid-level felonies like aggravated battery would face a maximum sentence of 30 years instead of the 15-year sentence that is those crimes’ normal maximum. And higher-level felonies like armed robbery could now carry a life sentence for such immigrants instead of the normal maximum sentence of 30 years.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and the Florida Immigrant Coalition did not respond to requests for comment on this bill.

7News cameras captured Boris Fernando Bastidas as he walked into jail in Pompano Beach in handcuffs, Thursday afternoon.

The FBI took the 35-year-old suspect into custody at his Coral Springs home earlier in the day.

The suspect’s neighbors were shocked to learn of his arrest.

“It’s appalling, and it’s sad,” said a neighbor.

The 35-year-old later appeared in federal court. He was ordered to be remain in custody until next week.

Bastidas was a teacher at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, located at 500 E. Chaminade Drive, where he was named Educator of the Year in 2023, when the alleged affair took place.

Bastidas was head of the school’s social studies department. He was also in charge of the after-school club Model U.N., of which the teenage girl was a member.

Investigators added that the suspect was also the teen’s teacher during her freshman year.

Students at Chaminade-Madonna who spoke with 7News were surprised by the alleged affair.

“It’s, like, irresponsible to do. It was very wrong, and I feel like he should have known it was wrong,” said a girl.

“I’m really uncomfortable, because I definitely, like, it makes me feel like there’s someone else,” said a boy.

In a 15-page report by the FBI, it detailed Bastidas’ alleged affair with the student.

Investigators said it began in July of 2023, after the student asked for help on a project. At first they messaged each other on the school’s email account, but they later exchanged emails on their private accounts.

Then they started texting each other, authorities said. The FBI report has records of the text messages and emails between Bastidas and the student.

On one of the exchanges, the report states, Bastidas wrote, “You’re one of the best students I’ve ever had … but you’re not just a student at this point.”

He also wrote, “You’re so naive, it’s adorable.”

In one of the exchanges, he wrote, “I’ll always love you. I need you. “I wanna love you.”

As time went on, investigators said, the teacher and the 15-year-old would get together in public places. He met her at her job last August, the report states, and had oral sex in parking lots in Hollywood and Miramar.

In other exchanges, authorities said, Bastidas wrote the teen, “Kissing you is like a dream. We should kiss all the time.”

He went on to say, “I want to touch your body. I want my body to touch on yours. I wanna [expletive],” and at one point he wrote,” I want to have sex with you.”

According to the FBI, Bastidas and the student had sex while they were in New York for a Model U.N. event in January, and that is why federal authorities became involved.

Investigators said the affair ended on Feb. 5. Sometime that month, the teen’s mother called the FBI to report the alleged relationship.

The head of the school, Dr. Judith Mucheck, released the following statement.

“When we became aware of the allegations, we conducted an investigation and he was terminated immediately.”

Dr. Judith Mucheck

Bastidas’ arrest comes a day after Felicia Sharonda Smith, a language arts teacher teacher at Driftwood Middle School in Hollywood, was arrested and charged with molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 16 and lewd and lascivious conduct.

Smith, 39, is accused of molesting a female student with whom at first, police said, she had a maternal relationship. However, detectives said, it moved to kissing and physical contact that left marks on the child’s body.

The girl’s parents pushed for answers.

“Through further investigation, they were able to identify that it was from kissing, and it did look like a hickey on the student,” said Hollywood Police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi.

Investigators said the girl admitted she skipped class to spend time in Smith’s classroom during her planning period.

According to the police report, the girl saw Smith as a loyal and faithful mother figure, and that the teacher told her not to tell anyone about their physical encounters in the classroom closet.

“To put someone in that position is never OK where there is a teacher in an authoritative role” said Bettineschi. “Many times, students look up to the teacher.”

Smith remains at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach as of late Thursday night, though she has posted bond. Broward County Public Schools said she has been reassigned pending the outcome of this case.

She is expected to leave the detention facility on Friday at 1:15 p.m.

Bastidas is facing two federal charges. A pre-detention hearing was scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m., where a magistrate judge will determine whether or not he should be released on bond ahead of his trial.

Felicia Sharonda Smith, 39, was charged with molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 16 and lewd and lascivious conduct.

During her court appearance on Thursday afternoon, a judge set her bond at $150,000.

“I realize the charges are serious,” said the judge.

Smith paid the bond and is expected to be released soon.

If Smith pays her bond, she must be fitted with a GPS ankle monitor. She was also ordered to not have any contact with the victim or any minors and cannot step foot on any school’s campus in the tri-county area.

According to Hollywood Police, officers were made aware of inappropriate contact between a teacher and a student at Driftwood Middle School, located at 2751 N. 70th Terrace.

During their investigation, detectives questioned Smith, and she was arrested. She admitted to police that at the beginning of the year, she and a student developed a maternal relationship. Smith also admitted that she kissed the student on school grounds.

“The teacher did admit to having a maternal relationship with the student since the beginning of the year and then did admit that there was kissing involved after that,” said Hollywood Police spokesperson Deanna Bettineschi.

The victim, police said, told officers that she was forced to inappropriately touch Smith.

The victim’s family began asking questions after the young victim came home with marks on their body.

“They realized that something just wasn’t right and continued pushing for answers,” said Bettineschi.

Police said the child claimed the marks on the their body were from injuries with a football at school.

“But through further investigation, they were able to identify that it was from kissing and it did look like a hickey on the student,” said Bettineschi.

The teen later admitted that she had been skipping her sixth period class since February and spent that time in Smith’s classroom and her classroom closet during Smith’s planning period.

Smith was a Language Arts teacher at the school.

According to the arrest report, the teen saw Smith “as someone who was loyal and faithful and thought of her as a mother figure.”

The victim told detectives that Smith told her to “not tell anyone because she could lose her job if people found out.”

On her Facebook page, she posted pictures that were taken inside the school and wrote that some of the pictures were taken by her students.

A parent told 7News many students at the school are upset because they liked Smith and trusted her.

“Seeing my daughter in tears over something that she doesn’t fully understand,” said a concerned parent. “She is emotionally not OK and I’m not OK cause she’s not OK.”

The parent, who chose to remain anonymous, said her daughter is devastated as Smith was one of her favorite teachers.

“I don’t think she’s ever been hurt like this before,” said the concerned parent. “She’s more upset that her teacher is gone. She doesn’t really understand the depth behind it.

The Broward County Schools Board released the following statement:

The safety of our students is always our top priority. Broward County Public Schools is fully cooperating with the Hollywood Police Department in its investigation. The teacher has been reassigned away from the school and students pending the outcome of the case.

BCPS

Hollywood Police are working closely with BCPS as they continue to investigate.

According to the school district, Smith worked as a substitute teacher from mid-2019 to 2022. In July 2022, she became a permanent teacher at Driftwood Middle.

The incident, captured in cellphone video sent to 7News, has prompted the police department to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

Cecilia Mercado, 32, was pulled over by police officers for ignoring a “Right Turn Only” sign in a high-traffic area known for frequent accidents. The video showed the officer forcibly pulling her out of the car, Tuesday, after she didn’t cooperate.

“Please bring your supervisor now!” the man who was in the car with Mercado said in the video. “I feel threatened.”

Despite initially being stopped for traffic violations, the situation escalated when Mercado claimed to have “sovereign citizenship” and refused to comply with the officers’ request for her identification and insurance documents.

A video circulating online shows a portion of the interaction, missing the critical moment when Mercado rolled up her car window as officers were asking for her ID and insurance, police said. This led to the police legally taking her from the vehicle and placing her in handcuffs.

“She is not a United States citizen. They have no jurisdiction over you,” continued the visibly irate man. “You are going to get fired from your job and she’s going to get $250,000 for winning in court. If you want to play, I will see you in court.”

Footage of the arrest exhibited Mercado falling to the ground as officers continued to pull her out of the car. She appeared visibly shocked.

“Cessy, I’m sorry,” said the man.

The man behind the camera is Mercado’s boyfriend. He also claims to be a non-citizen national with “diplomatic immunity.”

“All you had to do was comply,” said one officer.

“I did, I gave you my…” said Mercado.

“No, you did not. No, you did not,” said the officer.

Mercado said she gave them her passport, but an officer stated that was not a driver’s license.

Officials said she was originally cited for a traffic violation and was then released, but further investigations revealed that she had a counterfeit diplomatic tag. This led police to put out a “be on the lookout” alert for Mercado, leading to her subsequent re-arrest.

“The City of Sunny Isles Beach Police Department remains committed to making our streets safe for drivers and pedestrians,” stated the department in a release.

7News was the only station there as Mercado was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade. She faces felony charges related to the counterfeit license plate, with a bond set at $2,500.

Scott Huss, the man who recorded Mercado’s arrest, spoke to 7News outside of the jail.

“He unlocked the car, opened the car door, and grabbed Cessy by the arm,” he said. “Her immunity is 100% authentic. The specifics can’t be disclosed on public interview, however, the court case and the federal lawsuit will be public. They have no jurisdiction over you. She is not a United States citizen.”

Huss continued to comment on Mercado’s arrest saying, “Nothing should get to the point where somebody is dragging somebody out of a vehicle for a wrong left turn.”

The 32-year-old woman, born in New York, has since posted bond, and was released from jail on Wednesday, where 7News cameras captured Mercado walking out of jail.

“They are not fake. They are completely registered to my private trust and my vehicle, which by law, you are allowed to have a vehicle underneath the trust,” said Mercado.

According to the arrest report, the U.S. Department of State told police that Mercado’s car had a fake diplomatic license plate. When asked about her claims to diplomatic immunity, Mercado doubled down.

“I’m a non-resident alien, and there was nothing wrong with my plates. They have unlawfully detained me,” said Mercado.

Fresh off her bond out, the couple took another ride as they left TGK in a Mercedes Maybach with an unusual looking tag.

But before they could get home from jail on Wednesday afternoon, Mercado had another encounter with police, minutes after she appeared on an Instagram Live where she spoke to her fans from the backseat of the Mercedes Maybach.

“This is why you have to become a non-citizen national, so you don’t have to worry about paying taxes, and you get your business right,” said Mercado on social media.

The Maybach also had a diplomat-labeled license plate. Police stopped the car along the 300 block of Sunny Isles Boulevard.

Video posted by Only In Dade shows the driver of the Maybach being arrested for allegedly driving with a fake license plate.

Another video shows the second encounter with police from inside the Maybach , which was posted on social video Wednesday. It shows police, with their guns drawn, telling the driver of the Maybach to step out of the car. Police told 7News the driver didn’t have a driver’s license either.

The driver has been identified as 22-year-old Andres Lopez. He was taken to the Miami-Dade Police Department as authorities sorted out his identity.

Another video shows Mercado and her boyfriend stranded, with no ride, and speaking to police near where they were stopped a day earlier.

Mercado and her boyfriend said their diplomat license plates are legitimate, and they have lawyers who are prepared to take action against the police department.

“I look forward to sharing my story in court and not being treated like a savage ever again,” said Mercado.

The lanes will be closed starting at 10 p.m. to 5:30 a.m.

A route for a non-tolled detour for southbound I-95 includes the following:

• Exit at the SR 836 West Ramp, then exit at Northwest 14th Street
• Turn left at NW 12th Avenue, then turn left at Northwest 11th Street
• Turn right at Northwest Eight Street Road, then turn left at Northwest Eighth Street
• Turn right at Northwest Third Court to access the I-95 south ramp after Northwest Second Street

A route for tolled detour for southbound I-95 includes the following:

• Exit at the SR 836 West Ramp, then exit at Northwest 12th Avenue
• Turn left at Northwest 12th Avenue to access the SR 836 east entrance ramp
• Continue east on SR 836 to access the I-95 south ramp

For a map of the detour, click here.

Police said that the discovery of the bodies unfolded on Sunday at around 9 p.m. in the area of 17400 NW 68 Avenue but that the actual deaths of the victims occurred two weeks ago.

According to MDPD, uniformed officers responded to a welfare check request for the family, discovering a “distinct foul odor” upon arrival at the apartment and multiple flies flying outside the apartment door.

“Once inside, they discovered four people dead,” said Miami Dade Police Department Officer Alvaro Zabaleta.

MDFR assisted in gaining entry, and officers reportedly found four individuals deceased inside from apparent gunshot wounds.

Investigators believe that the 60-year-old father, Victor Penalba, perpetrated the tragedy, fatally shooting his 50-year-old wife, Yumara Martinez, 18-year-old son, Jason Penalba, and 13-year-old daughter, Stephanie Penalba before taking his own life.

Police said they found Victor lying on top of the gun in the master bedroom with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

“Domestic violence usually escalates and if it’s not attended and not taken serious and it’s left alone, it can escalate to, a lot of the times, like in this case, tragedy,” said Zabaleta.

During their investigation, detectives revealed that Victor and Martinez were married in 2007.

According to police, Jason’s friends from Miami Dade College called police for the welfare check after not hearing from Jason for two weeks. The last person to speak with Jason was his girlfriend on Feb. 28.

The friends, speaking to 7News, did not want to reveal their identity but said Jason was a good person.

“He always had like a good, like, soul,” said one friend. “My friends decided to like call each other and be like ‘Man, it’s like, it’s already been two weeks already. We should definitely go and check something out.'”

Before the friends came and knocked on Jason’s door, police said the girlfriend appeared at Jason’s home on March 9 and knocked on the door but received no answer so she left.

“All you get is the smell, immediate, just hits you and that’s when we knew nobody in there is OK,” said a friend.

“We cannot believe that this happened to him. Everyone was disheartened. Everyone is shocked. Nobody can believe this because he was just not a kid that you would ever expect to be in this sort of situation,” said another friend.

The step-brother and sister of Yumara were at the scene on Monday and told 7News they wish they had stepped in sooner to prevent the deaths of their sister and her children.

“It’s destroyed us as a family. We’re a good family. We look out for each other. This just sucks, man. You don’t expect it to be you, you know,” Juan Rodriguez. “Shame on us, you know.”

Rodriguez said his sister and the children had many goals and aspirations for their life.

“She always accepted me, not as a step-brother, but as a brother. She always used to tell me, she goes ‘I don’t care that we’re not blood blood, but you are better than blood,'” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said Jason was a student at Miami Dade College. Rodriguez described the warning that Jason gave to his girlfriend in their last known contact.

“He told his girlfriend, ‘If you don’t hear from me in four to five days, something bad happened,'” said Rodriguez. One of the friends reiterated the warning Jason gave.

The stepsister said her sister and the children were wonderful people.

“He would always like push her away from the family,” said Yumara’s stepsister, who did not want to be identified.

The stepsister said she didn’t see the family enough.

“We are a united family but he would never want them around,” said the stepsister.

The victim’s siblings want the public to know that if they have a loved one in a difficult situation or in a difficult relationship, to reach out to the loved one.

“We thought we knew that everything was okay but deep down inside, you think that maybe something is not right. You should pull that person to the side when they are and say ‘Hey, can we have some Starbucks or something?’ Take them out,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said one of Yumara’s coworkers also reached out to the family after not hearing from them for over a week but they didn’t follow up.

The family now hopes no one makes the same mistake.

If you have any information on this crime, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

7News cameras captured very few people out and about on Ocean Drive, near Fifth Street, Sunday night.

Visitors earlier in the day said they noticed an unmistakable dip in crowds.

“There’s no chaos this time,” said Cort Fort, who is visiting from Houston.

Every year, thousands are drawn to the tourist destination, but visitors said this year is different.

“Now it’s more chill, not as much people,” said a woman.

“We are the crazy spring breakers, but we are not the ones that do the extra,” said a man.

Years of unruly crowds and two deadly shootings in 2023 led city officials to say no more.

Miami Beach Police Officer Christopher Bess spoke to 7News on a relatively calm Saturday night.

“Our message is clear: if you come to our city, we want you to really enjoy it, but you must be lawful,” he said.

This year, a stepped up police presence swarmed the streets, with assistance from 18 other state and federal agencies.

Revelers who came down to South Beach encountered DUI checkpoints and barricades throughout the streets.

Between Thursday and Sunday, parking fees have tripled and public garages remained closed. The city plans to repeat these measures next weekend as well.

“So, since the duration of spring break, which has started last weekend, we have a little over 100 arrests so far, which according to the data, we’re down about 14%,” said Bess.

As of Sunday night, police have reported no shootings or stampedes erupted by violence.

Mitch Novick, the owner of the Sherbrooke Hotel, said the city seems safer.

“The streets are depleted,” he said.

However, Novick said, business owners said they are taking the hit.

“I’ve spoken with other business owners, one who claims her business is down 80%,” he said. “Another, a friend who’s a hotelier up the street, [says] the inability for guests to park is very disruptive.”

A small home, in a big development, at the center of a Coral Gables controversy, once again.

Orlando Capote, homeowner: “Definitely trying to make my life difficult so that I will leave.”

At a recent commission meeting, Mayor Vince Lago wondered which news outlet aired the latest story about the city’s famously defiant resident.

Mayor Vince Lago: “I’m not sure which channel it was.”

It was 7News that aired a story about a “notice of intent” to put a lien on Orlando Capote’s home. He was cited for a code violation involving this decades-old carport.

Orlando Capote: “It says that I owe them over $29,000 in fines.”

The notice clearly read the amount due was a whopping $29,958. Despite that, the city told 7News that “there are no fines on the property.”

So why the letter stating there was? The city now says, it was a mistake.

Coral Gables Assistant City Attorney Gustavo Ceballos: “Code enforcement didn’t enter in our extensions. We did them through emails. We were dealing directly with their attorney and, simply, our code enforcement system didn’t.”

Mayor Lago: “Honest mistake. It’s an honest mistake. But it flew like wildfire.”

Perhaps it flew like wildfire because every chapter in the Orlando Capote saga ignites passionate response from the public. And for the past 5 years, as the largest development in the city’s history began surrounding his home, we have been there to document it.

Orlando Capote: “I am in a bad marriage with the city of Coral Gables.”

But divorce is not likely. Orlando says he’s staying put in the home his late parents bought back in 1989.

Orlando Capote: “We came to America looking for the way of life, and this is not what has been done to me.”

Which brings us back to the carport, a structure not even visible from the public street and, Orlando says, it was here years before they moved in.

Orlando Capote: “As I told them, this has survived hurricanes and all the storms in the last 34 years. So when they look at the canopy cover, they say, ‘Well, that is not an acceptable cover.'”

Emails obtained by 7 Investigates in 2023 revealed the code enforcement case started after an employee for the developer complained to the city about conditions at Orlando’s property.

Orlando Capote: “This is what bothers me. What triggered this complaint was the developer.”

Fines of $150 a day started to add up, as Orlando and his attorney tried to resolve the issue.

Orlando Capote: “The city finally said, ‘OK, you can keep this structure,’ and that’s when we start trying to get the material approved.”

This is what the carport covering looked like when we visited last summer, and this was Tuesday, the day the new, city-approved cover was installed.

Orlando Capote: “This is not the biggest issue, and yet it’s being made a huge issue by the city. It has been a long, long, frustrating experience.”

But this battle ended in victory for Orlando. The cover passed inspection on Wednesday.

As for the future…

Orlando Capote: “I don’t think this is the end. I think they are just going to keep coming after me, making my life difficult.”

The city tells us, “Our goal is to work in a cooperative manner with Mr. Capote.”

Orlando Capote: “If you believe in something, wouldn’t you battle it and fight for it?”

7News Producer: “Forever?”

Orlando Capote: “Forever.”

Heather Walker, 7News.

CONTACT 7 INVESTIGATES:
305-627-CLUE
954-921-CLUE
7Investigates@wsvn.com

The incident happened on Monday about 10 minutes after the flight took off around 7:30 p.m.

Witnesses on board described the moments when a bright light shined from the side of the plane.

“The plane shuttered and shook, and then we heard a popping noise,” said one man. “Yeah, so we could actually feel it,” said the woman who accompanied that man.

Crew members quickly shut down the engines and diverted the flight back to Houston for an emergency landing.

“It was pretty calm after they got it closed down, and it was reasonably smooth coming back to Houston,” said another man.

Passengers were grateful no one was hurt during the flight.

“They turned around and started down and people cheered when they landed,” said one couple.

United Airlines arranged for another plane to take those on board to Fort Myers later that evening.

The cause of the engine fire remains under investigation.

According to BSO detectives, Drakaar Allen was last seen at Easterlin Park, located at 1000 N.W. 38th Street, around 1 p.m., Monday.

Detectives said Allen is described as standing about 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and weighs about 180 pounds.

He has black hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a white tank top, grey shorts and grey sandals.

On Thursday, BSO said Allen was found deceased Wednesday evening in a lake at Easterlin Park. According to authorities, no foul play is suspected.

Anyone with information on Allen’s whereabouts should contact BSO Detective Chris Blankenship at 954-321-4268 or the BSO non-emergency number at 954-764-HELP (4357).

Miami Police arrived at one of the scenes, located at Northwest 55th Street and 10th Avenue, Tuesday afternoon.

7News cameras captured a silver sedan at the scene that was damaged. A tarp covered the driver’s side window and the left rear passenger window and door was riddled with bullets.

The second scene was just blocks away, at the Miami Police North Station at Northwest 62nd Street and 11th Avenue.

“Tell us about the fact that one of these scenes was literally at the doorstep of the Miami Police substation,” the reporter said.

“Correct. It’s very disturbing, I mean this scene, one of them right outside our North Station,” said Miami Police Capt. Freddie Cruz.

According to police, one of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene and the other victim died at Jackson Memorial Hospital.

The third victim is listed in stable condition.

“This happened in broad daylight in the middle of the afternoon,” said Cruz. “This is a moment where we’re asking the community, please, if you saw something, you know something, come forward, help us put the person or persons responsible for this vicious, violent crime behind bars.”

Neighbors were shocked to hear the gunshots in what they say is a quiet neighborhood.

“It’s a quiet neighborhood. Quiet everyday,” said Altenese Mckay, a 15-year resident of the area.

She said that at first, she thought the gunfire were sounds of fireworks.

“When I came out, all I see is a car stopped and the man was slumped over,” said Mckay.

Another resident, Goddess Kimbrough, has also lived in the area for 15 years and said she heard the gunfire while she was on a call.

“I knew the difference between the rapid gunfire and firecracker,” said Kimbrough.

Police have not given a description of any suspect or suspects.

An investigation is underway.

Please check back on WSVN.com and 7News for more details on this developing story.

According to the lawsuit, Kanokporn Tangsuan, her husband Jeffrey Piccolo and Piccolo’s mother dined at Raglan Road Irish Pub in Disney Springs — which is part of the Walt Disney World resort — in October 2023. They chose to eat at the restaurant, the lawsuit states, because they believed it would have proper safeguards against serving Tangsuan dairy and nuts, which she was allergic to.

The waiter guaranteed the couple that certain foods could be made allergen-free, which the two confirmed “several more times,” according to the lawsuit filed on February 22 in Orange County, Florida. She ordered a vegan fritter, scallops, onion rings and a vegan shepherd’s pie, the lawsuit said.

Some of the food delivered lacked allergen-free flags, but the waiter again guaranteed the food was allergen free, the lawsuit alleged.

After dinner, Tangsuan went shopping in the Disney Springs area, and began “suffering from a severe acute allergic reaction” while at Planet Hollywood, according to the lawsuit.

Tangsuan “began having severe difficulty breathing and collapsed to the floor,” and 911 was called, according to the lawsuit.

Despite self-administering an Epi-Pen, Tangsuan died from “anaphylaxis due to elevated levels of dairy and nut in her system,” the lawsuit said, attributing the information to a medical examiner’s investigation.

CNN has reached out to Disney for comment.

Brian Denney, an attorney for Piccolo, said his client is “devastated over the premature death of his beloved wife. Amy had a long life in front of her and she and Jeff had plans to start a family. This never should have happened,” Denney said. “Jeff is bringing this case, in part, to prevent a tragedy like this from happening to another family.”

Tangsuan went by the name Amy, the attorney said. An online obituary lists her age as 42.

Tangsuan was a family medicine doctor based in New York, and was associated with multiple hospitals including NYU Langone, according to a doctor profile on US News and World Report.

The lawsuit alleges Raglan Road failed to properly train its staff, that the employees failed to properly warn Tangsuan about allergens in her food, and that the employees failed to prepare the food without allergens as requested several times.

The lawsuit also alleges negligence by Disney Parks and Resorts, since it has control over the restaurants and policies at Disney Springs.

Piccolo is seeking damages in excess of $50,000 pursuant to Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, as well as damages for mental pain and suffering, loss of companionship and protection, loss of income and medical and funeral expenses.

Davie Police Officers were investigating the reported bomb threat at Nova High School in Davie, which led to the evacuation of both Nova High School and Nova Middle School as a precaution.

Authorities arrived at the scene, located in the area of 3600 College Ave., at around 12 p.m., Monday.

The schools, situated adjacent to each other, are being thoroughly checked by authorities to ensure the safety of students and staff.

7Skyforce hovered over the scene, where officers were seen at the entrance of the high school and students were seen gathered on the baseball and football fields.

Students have since returned to classes.

The case remains active as police continue to investigate the incident.

Hundreds of passengers aboard the Carnival Celebration clapped and cheered as crew members rescued a group of migrants on Saturday.

The ship’s crew had spotted the migrants’ tattered vessel about 20 miles north of Cuba as they were heading back to PortMiami.

Passengers gathered along the deck as the ship made a turn to help the 20 people crammed into the tiny boat.

“We were sitting out on the open deck, and it flew past us, but we were going in the other direction, so we were like, ‘Wow, what was that?'” said passenger Dawn LeGrand.

“It was alarming because you see a small boat with, like, 19 people in there and dumping water off the boat,” said passenger Jay Vellon. “I mean, it’s not even considered a boat. It’s a little, small boat over capacity.”

Vellon described what happened next.

“Our cruise ship did a turn and approached the guys safely, and then they threw out a life jacket with a rope and just reeled the guys in and secured the small boat to the cruise ship,” he said.

Once the ship alerted the U.S. Coast Guard, one of their cutters was able to rescue those 20 people, who officials say are Cuban.

The migrants will be repatriated back to Cuba, according to USCG officials.

“They were packed in there. It was scary ’cause, if we didn’t go by, they could – would they have made it?” said LeGrand.

No injuries were reported.

Passengers said the whole ordeal took a couple of hours, and then the Celebration sailed into PortMiami.

Carnival Cruise released the following statement:

Carnival Celebration’s team helped a group of 20 people in distress on a boat in the Florida Straits on Saturday. The ship’s team gave them food and water and called the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Key West, which deployed a cutter and rescued the stranded group. The ship then resumed sailing toward PortMiami.

Matt Lupoli, Senior Manager of Public Relations Carnival Cruise Line

Dario Camara, an English teacher and director of speech and debate club at Western High School in Davie, was arrested Friday morning.

7News cameras captured Camara being taken into the Broward County Jail.

According to police, Camara placed a food order of over $16,000 from Exquisite Catering by Robert in North Miami but failed to pay for any of the invoices.

Peter Sitaras, the company’s lawyer said the first of three orders occurred in 2022.

“There was a gentleman named Dario Camara, and he’s a debate teacher at Western High. He said in October of 2022, ‘Oh, we need catering services for this debate tournament,'” said Sitaras.

In addition to facing criminal charges, Camara is being sued by the company. According to the lawsuit filed by the company, Camara contracted the company to cater several debate events.

On an invoice dated Oct. 22, the company provided 510 boxed lunches to the school, totaling $5,695.97.

Sitaras said the company never got paid for that.

“Then, in April, he had two more catering events, so same deal. He said, you know, ‘Another event, please cater it, we’ll pay you, just bill it to Florida Forensic League,'” said Sitaras.

Camara is the vice president of operations for the Florida Forensic League.

He asked for catering for two more events in April.

A second invoice, dated in April 2023, shows an order of baked ziti meatballs and garlic rolls, which totaled $5,250.

The next day, Camara placed another order of deli sandwiches, which also totaled $5,250.

Sitaras said the company never got paid for any of these events despite all the food being delivered to Western High School for the events.

“Those three catering events, the bill adds up to around $16,000. We had asked for payment; payment hasn’t been made,” said Sitaras.

According to emails from the lawsuit, Camara told a company representative in May 2023 that he was “tracking this payment as we think we mailed it or handed it to someone back in the fall. Yikes.”

A few months later, Camara sent another email saying, “Let me make some phone calls this morning and get back to you.”

The lawyer said the company lawsuit came after many chances were given to receive payment.

“We made demand after demand, and then finally we filed suit. It’s a simple breach of contract case. He’s allegedly been arrested,” said Sitaras.

The catering company declined to comment for the story, citing the pending lawsuit.

But questions remain as to whether the teacher was authorized to order the food and who gave him authorization. The assistant principal at the school was allegedly involved.

Camara faces multiple charges, including grand theft and scheming to defraud. He remains at the Broward County Jail on a $10,500 bond.

Forty-nine-year-old Danny Maurad-Avecillas appeared before Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Mindy S. Glazer on Friday.

“I believe there’s probable cause for kidnapping,” said the judge.

Investigators said the victim, who was visiting South Florida from California with friends, hailed the Uber to return to her Airbnb on Jan. 12.

In court, the victim explained to Glazer how her ordeal started. She said she thought the suspect’s car was her Uber.

“He made me believe that was my Uber and said, ‘Get in the car, get in the car,’ and that’s it,” said the woman. “It looked exactly like the car that I was waiting for.”

According to the arrest affidavit, the victim told police that “she had left South Beach in an Uber and woke up naked inside a motel (77 Motel) with no recollection on how she got there.”

7News obtained an image that shows the suspect at the motel he left the victim.

“These are some of the strangest facts that I’ve seen,” said Glazer

Police said Maurad-Avecillas used the woman’s cards to pay for the motel and to fuel up the car.

“So he drives her to a motel that they rent by the hour,” said Glazer

“But that’s after he put gas in his car using her credit card, right?” asked the prosecutor.

“Correct,” said Glazer.

Now Maurad-Avecillas is facing serious charges.

“You were arrested for two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card and one count of fraudulent use of personal identification,” said Glazer.

The suspect told detectives that he is, in fact, a rideshare driver.

The motel witness told detectives that the woman appeared to be intoxicated.

“So he told the detectives he does drive Uber, and on more than one occasion, he’s placed incoherent females into his vehicle and transported them to a motel, where he removes their belongings for safekeeping,” said Glazer.

The victim said in court that she is suffering from bodily injury as a result of this incident.

“I have bodily injury. I don’t know what they did to me. I have bruises,” said the woman.

The judge ordered the suspect to stay away from the woman.

“Ma’am, thank you for coming into court today. I know that must not be easy for you,” said Glazer. “I just want to remind you, though, he is presumed not guilty.”

7News reached out to Uber. Friday night, a spokesperson issued a statement that reads, “There are no words to describe this sickening behavior. We removed the driver’s access to the platform as soon as this was reported to us and are supporting law enforcement with their investigation.”

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. Friday, near Ryder Trauma Center, located in the area of Northwest Eighth Avenue and 17th Street.

When police arrived at the scene, they encountered the suspect armed with a knife.

Cellphone video shared with 7News showed the tense moments between the man and Miami Police officers as they surrounded him, asking the suspect to put the knife down.

Broward Sheriff’s Office officials identified the children as 9-year-old Maddox Mattingly and his 7-year-old sister, Sloan Mattingly.

Sloan was pronounced dead after being transported to Broward Health Medical Center, while Maddox remains hospitalized.

The family was on vacation from Indiana when the incident occurred, officials said.

Mattingly’s father describes the young girl as “full of love and life and always smiling.”

An old Facebook video shows the father speaking to Sloan at a home.

“What boy are you going to love the most no matter what?” asked the father in the video. Sloan points to him.

Her mother, posting on social media late Wednesday night: “We love you beyond any stretch of the imagination. Our sweet Sloan. What we would give.”

Jenny Fedele, principal of Lafayette Meadows Elementary, where Sloan was a student, released the following statement:

It is with a heavy heart that I write this letting you know we lost a precious member of the Lafayette Meadows School family. Sloan Mattingly was a bright, sweet, loving 1st grade student in Ms. Vanbrocklin’s class. Sloan passed away on Tuesday. We will be talking with Ms. Vanbrocklin’s class, as well as Ms. Kilbourne’s class, as Sloan’s brother is a member of that classroom, on Thursday.

Our administration team and counselors have support resources available for any student or staff member who is in need during this time of loss. Please be sure to communicate any concerns with myself, Mr. Kowalski, Ms. Blackburn or Ms. Tanesky so we can support students as needed.

Please keep the Mattingly family in your thoughts and prayers. They have requested privacy at this time. We will pass along any further information the family wishes to share.

Jenny Fedele

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Fire Rescue arrived at the scene in the area of 4424 El Mar Drive, Tuesday afternoon, after receiving a call about the children trapped in the sand.

The frantic calls to 911 captured the desperate beachgoers seeking help as they began digging the sand to rescue the children.

“Nine-one-one, what’s the address of the emergency?” a dispatcher said.

“I’m standing back. My husband is out there, and a bunch of men are digging on the beach.” said a caller.

“There’s a little girl buried under the sand, and they have not gotten her yet,” another caller said.

“What part of the body is trapped?” said the dispatcher.

“I can’t see. There’s so many people,” said a woman. “They have not gotten the child out. They’re digging.”

“Is the child’s head above the sand?” asked the dispatcher.

“No, they don’t see her head,” said one person.

In the background of the calls, chaos is heard as the mother of the children watched in horror.

“The father started yelling for help, that his child is caught in a hole in the sand. They were digging.” said one caller.

“They need help, they really do,” said one person.

“Oh, this mother. It’s just awful,” said a person.

“It’s too long, I know.” said one person.

Police said the children were playing in the sand.

Witnesses said Maddox was in the hole but had his head out of the sand, while Sloan was still covered by the sand. Once inside the hole, the sand collapsed on them. 

“The boy was three or four feet down, but at that point, his head was above the sand. I guess his sister was beside him, and she was down further,” said witness David Davies. “They tried to dig her out, but the more they dug, the more the sand collapsed. They tried putting boards to try and keep the sand from falling in. She was down for quite a while.”

The little girl was under the sand for at least 20 minutes.

“It’s tough, it’s tough,” said Davies.

“It’s terrifying,” said a witness on the scene.

Beachgoers on Wednesday were saddened to hear what had happened the day before, as other kids played with the sand.

“It’s devastating. I mean, we’re in town from Canada with our kids,” said Daniel Capoano. “Come out for a day at the beach to hear that a kid was killed and just kinda having some fun. It’s tragic.”

There are no lifeguards on the part of the beach where the incident happened. The city has not reached back about what their lifeguard policy is.

Broward Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit detectives and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

In some cities like Fort Lauderdale, digging in the sand is against the rules.

“One reason is that it is unstable, can collapse and it can be dangerous to anyone who is digging the hole,” said Alex Bagwell with Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue. “Another factor is we operate emergency vehicles on the beach.”

For the Mattingly family, the warnings are too late, but hopefully the messages will help another family.

A few days ago, a similar incident occurred in New Jersey. A 2-year-old was buried in the sand, but luckily his father was next to him, and he survived.

On the sand Wednesday night, 7News cameras captured flowers and a teddy bear left in memory of Sloan.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea Fire Rescue arrived at the scene in the area of 4424 El Mar Drive, Tuesday afternoon.

7Skyforce hovered over the scene, where safety cones and yellow tape surrounded the hole at the beach.

According to Pompano Beach officials, the little girl died at the hospital.

Witnesses said two children were inside the hole. One of the children, a little boy, was in the hole but had his head out of the sand while another child, a little girl, was still covered by the sand. Once inside the hole, the sand collapsed on the children. They said the little girl seemed to be in much rougher shape than the little boy.

Bystanders said they believe the hole was five to six feet deep.

“The boy was three or four feet down but at that point, his head was above the sand. I guess his sister was beside him and she was down further. They tried to dig her out, the more the sand collapsed. They tried putting boards to try and keep the sand from falling in She was down for quite awhile,” said witness David Davies.

“So many sirens,” said another person.

One witness guessed the children’s ages to be around 7-year-old.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, at one point there were 20 people were trying to dig the children out of the sand.

One of the people, speaking to 7News, said he has two daughters and couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“I don’t know what happened but I have 2 daughters, so I run right to it,” said the person.

“We have 20 people digging trying to find the child. The child is about 8-years-old,” said the dispatcher.

The children were removed from the hole and were transported to Broward Health Medical Center for treatment.

“I’ve never heard of anything like this before, especially with the size of that hole right there, it’s crazy,” said one person who helped dig the kids out.

“How are you doing watching something like that?” asked the reporter.

“It’s tough, it’s tough,” said Davies.

As one of the children arrived at the hospital, they were receiving chest compressions.

At the hospital, the little boy, as well as his other loved ones, waited in the emergency room, clearly upset.

Beach goers said they had no idea what was going on until they saw the commotion.

“It’s horrifying, it’s horrible,” said Carol Kulkin.

It is unclear if the children are local or from out of town. The relationship of the children is also unknown. Officials also don’t know how the hole in the sand was created.

Angie Lewis said she was with a friend when they stopped at a traffic light, at around 10 p.m., Thursday.

“I can’t even tell you what happened. I couldn’t at that moment figure out what was happening,” she said. “All of a sudden, my roof caved in, in the back of the truck. The truck shook, and then I realized a car had come off the 95 on-ramp above us and landed on us.”

Lewis said the impact sounded like an explosion.

“I thought maybe a bomb went off, or someone rammed into the stopped cars,” she said, “and then I thought, ‘Maybe the bridge collapsed.'”

Lewis said she then saw the Mercedes-Benz and realized it had fallen from the overpass directly above her.

Palm Beach Gardens Police said the car was driven by a juvenile who was trying to get away from officers.

Investigators said the young motorist took the curve too fast and fell off the side, onto Lewis’ GMC Yukon Denali.

“It was chaos. There were parts all over the road. There was the Mercedes in the middle of the road on all four tires,” said Lewis. “It was like a movie, a scene out of a movie, but I was living it.”

Somehow, no one was injured.

Lewis said the back half of the truck’s roof had collapsed onto the back seats.

Nobody was sitting there at the time, but Lewis said it is where her young daughters always sit when they’re with her.

“It comes in waves. I think about it, I cry, because it’s her seat that got demolished, and had she been there, she may not be here now,” she said.

Lewis describes herself as lucky — lucky her girls weren’t in the vehicle, lucky she wasn’t parked a few feet farther back, and lucky to still be alive.

“When I think about what could have happened. I didn’t sleep at all last night — my heart was racing, I couldn’t breathe — but we’re here,” she said.

Police haven’t specified why they were trying to stop the Mercedes, only saying it was a traffic violation. They have apprehended the driver.