18-year-old arrested in connection with Homestead shooting that injured teen
Shooting appeared to be accidental, witness and victim tell police
HOMESTEAD, Fla. – An 18-year-old has been arrested in connection with a shooting in Homestead that left a 14-year-old boy critically injured.
The shooting occurred just before 11:30 a.m. Sunday at an apartment complex on Mowry Drive.
According to the suspect’s arrest report, witnesses told police that they were hanging out in a bedroom with the suspect, Jose Thomas Rios, and the victim, and Rios was showing off his gun on social media.
One witness said Rios then pointed a gun at the victim and said while laughing, “I am going to kill you.”
Police said Rios then fired the gun, striking the victim once in the chest.
The witness and victim both told police that they believed the shooting was an accident, the arrest report stated.
Authorities also interviewed another witness who had gone to the bathroom at the time of the shooting and heard one gunshot.
The victim was airlifted to Kendall Regional Medical Center in extremely critical condition.
Despite his condition, Local 10 News spoke with a man who lives at the home, who said he believed the teen was going to be OK.
He said the victim is the grandson of his girlfriend and was visiting them at their home.
Rios was arrested on charges of attempted manslaughter, child neglect resulting in great bodily harm and displaying a firearm while committing a felony.
“The Homestead Police Department cannot stress enough the importance of the proper handling of a firearm,” a spokesman for the police department stated in a news release.
Rios is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
According to his arrest report, he denied the accusations against him while speaking with detectives.
How We Can Help
If you, a friend or a family member find themselves in a situation such as this, please call the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A. at 305 670-3330 right away. Scott A. Ferris, Esq. is a licensed attorney who has been practicing law for 34 years. He is available whenever you need him to defend your rights. Please learn about our firm at www.FerrisLawFirm.com.
Republished by the Law Office of Scott A. Ferris, P.A.