Gunman Opens Fire on Miami Highway; No One Hit

MIAMI, FL — A lone gunman armed with an AK-47 began shooting at motorists as he drove along the southbound lanes of the Palmetto Expressway early Monday morning. No one was shot in the attack and police did not disclose a motive for the incident. A 36-year-old suspect got into a brief gun battle with police before surrendering on the same highway where he allegedly fired "many shots" on one of the area's busiest highways.

The suspect was identified as Horvin Ruiz, who is accused of shooting at motorists from his red Toyota Corolla. Police did not say whether they had ruled out a terror motive for the Memorial Day incident. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Pinecrest Patch.)

Detective Daniel Ferrin of the Miami-Dade Police Department told a Miami news crew that "many shots were fired" during the incident which began at 1:20 a.m. on the Palmetto near NW 74th Street. Ferrin said "this might have been something random where he was just shooting at vehicles." The Palmetto is also known as State Road 826.

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Miami-Dade Police Director Juan Perez praised the "quick action" of his officers on social media, saying "tragedy was averted."

"The subject lost control of his vehicle striking the center concrete barrier," according to Ferrin. "He then turned his vehicle around going north on the southbound lanes where he once again lost control striking the side concrete barrier."

Ferrin said that the suspect got into a brief exchange of gunfire with Miami-Dade police and officers from the Florida Highway Patrol and city of Doral Police Department.

"There was an exchange of gunfire where the subject then stopped shooting and officers were able to apprehend the subject without any further incident," he explained.

No one was shot in the attack but two cars were struck by bullets and one man was hit by flying debris. The victim was identified as Enrique Jose Bendana. Bendana was taken to Kendall Regional Hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue with a minor injury to the head. In addition to Bendana, police listed seven other victims, who were not injured.

Police are asking any witnesses or victims of the incident to call 305-4-POLICE. Alternatively, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477, visit crimestoppersmiami.com and select "Give a Tip" or text "CSMD" followed by the tip to 274637.

Ferrin said that charges are pending.

Photo of the AK-47 courtesy of Miami-Dade Police Department