Incident Overview

A suspect, 73-year-old Juan Francisco Figueroa, has been arrested following a shooting and subsequent fire at a downtown Miami apartment complex located at 431 NW 3rd Street. The incident occurred early Monday morning, leaving the building engulfed in flames and a man critically injured.

Victim Identified and Hospitalized

The victim, Feder-One Biotte, a 30-year-old maintenance worker at the apartment complex, was transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition. Biotte underwent surgery to remove a bullet from his stomach. His family, in shock, described him as a kind and family-loving individual.

Firefighting Efforts

Miami Fire Rescue responded to the scene, encountering a three-alarm fire that required the efforts of 70 firefighters over eight hours to control. The fire spread rapidly due to the building’s wood frame construction and common attic area, which presented significant challenges in containing the blaze and evacuating residents.

Building and Resident Impact

• Historic Structure: The building, constructed in the 1920s, was heavily damaged, with parts of the roof collapsing and smoke continuing to billow out.
• Evacuation: Approximately 50 residents were evacuated, with several requiring rescue through windows or down smoke-filled hallways. A reunification center was set up at Jose Marti Park for displaced residents.

Emergency Response and Assistance

• Firefighters and Residents: Three firefighters and one resident were treated for smoke inhalation. All residents have been accounted for, with temporary housing arranged by the property management company.
• Community Support: The American Red Cross and staff from Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon’s office provided essential supplies, including blankets and water, to those affected.

Ongoing Investigation and Aftermath

The State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire, and two fire crews will remain on-site to extinguish any potential hot spots. It remains unclear how many charges Figueroa will face related to the incident.

Rebuilding and Recovery

Efforts are underway to support the displaced residents and address the damage to the historic building. Authorities and community organizations are collaborating to ensure that those affected receive the necessary assistance during this difficult time.

Download The Local News App for Updates

Stay informed on this story and other local news by downloading The Local News App. Click download on the prompt to get real-time updates and more.

Source