Over the weekend, Miami police took into custody a Cuban man accused of brandishing a firearm in a downtown food store and threatening Venezuelans with harm before fleeing the scene. On Saturday morning around 8 a.m., 57-year-old Gonzalo González entered Stop and Shop Food and Deli located at 49 NE Second Ave, initially requesting a vape pen. Moments afterward, he pulled out a gun and made alarming statements about killing Venezuelans, instilling panic among the store's employees.
According to the arrest report referenced by Local10 News, a store employee informed police that the black gun González drew from his backpack resembled a Glock. He reportedly cocked the gun, prompting a female employee to dive to the ground in fear and take cover behind the counter. Surveillance footage captured the incident, which was further confirmed by two additional store workers. The suspect left the premises shortly thereafter.
Thanks to a search alert and a tip-off from one of the staff members, police officers were able to locate and apprehend González later on. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of the firearm and plastic-encased gold and silver coins inside his backpack.
The police report indicates that González repeatedly interrupted officers as they attempted to read him his Miranda rights in Spanish, proclaiming loudly that he did not need a lawyer because, according to him, "God is my lawyer and I am King David." He further claimed he was "put on this earth to kill Venezuelans because they are attacking and killing Cubans."
González also issued ominous threats against the authorities, stating, "The officer who handcuffed me will die. The officers involved in my arrest will die, and their patrol cars will be engulfed in flames, leaving only ashes behind."
He is facing charges of improper display and reckless use of a firearm, along with aggravated assault with the intent to commit a felony. On Monday, the accused appeared in court but was forcibly removed from the hearing after attempting to address the judge, as reported by Telemundo51. González remains detained at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade, with bail set at $7,500.
Details on the Arrest and Charges Against Gonzalo González
What led to the arrest of Gonzalo González?
González was arrested after brandishing a firearm and making death threats against Venezuelans in a Miami store, which was captured on surveillance footage.
What charges is González facing?
He is charged with improper display and reckless use of a firearm, along with aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony.
What was González's behavior during his arrest?
González repeatedly interrupted police officers during his arrest, claiming that he didn't need legal representation because "God is my lawyer and I am King David."
What are the conditions of González's detention?
González is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade, with a bail amount set at $7,500.