A brutal knife attack at a café in Hialeah resulted in one man suffering severe injuries and another being detained on charges of attempted murder. The incident took place on the evening of Sunday, October 5, at "Las Margaritas" restaurant, located at 1385 Palm Avenue, although the suspect wasn't apprehended until the following Wednesday.
The altercation began inside the establishment around 9:15 p.m. when three individuals, including the alleged assailant, became embroiled in a heated argument, according to a report by the Hialeah Police Department, as reported by local media. Among those involved was 52-year-old Cuban national Abel Pérez, who soon became the main suspect in the vicious attack.
Eyewitnesses noted that the conversation rapidly escalated in tension. However, the outbreak of violence didn't occur within the café but outside its premises. The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, decided to leave the café but was followed by Pérez, who confronted him outside wielding a box cutter.
According to the police report, Pérez stabbed the victim "multiple times," inflicting deep wounds and causing a severe arterial bleed. "The victim resisted the stabbing attempts and managed to avoid a stab aimed at his neck; however, he sustained a stab wound to the left arm and right leg, resulting in a critical arterial hemorrhage that required emergency surgery at the Ryder Trauma Center," an officer explained, based on witness accounts.
Victim in Critical Condition
Following the violent episode, the injured individual was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he underwent surgical intervention. He remains in the intensive care unit at the Ryder Trauma Center.
The severity of the attack shocked even regular patrons of the establishment. "I don't come here often, but I heard about what happened, and it's very sad because it shouldn't have happened," said Ricardo Rodríguez, a Hialeah resident, in remarks to Telemundo 51. "I lived in Hialeah for many years, even two blocks from here, and nothing like this had ever happened," he added.
Identification and Capture of the Attacker
The identification of the suspect was made possible by a key witness who claimed to have known Pérez for about four years. This individual witnessed the attack and provided a detailed statement to the authorities, facilitating the swift apprehension of the attacker.
Abel Pérez was arrested on the night of Wednesday, October 8, at his residence on 84th Street and 31st Street West. He is currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami-Dade County, without bail. He faces formal charges of second-degree attempted murder with a deadly weapon.
So far, authorities have not disclosed the reason behind the altercation that triggered the attack, and the investigation remains ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. It has not been ruled out that there could have been prior personal differences between those involved, although this has not been confirmed by the police.
Key Questions About the Hialeah Café Incident
What charges is Abel Pérez facing?
Abel Pérez is charged with second-degree attempted murder with a deadly weapon.
Where did the attack take place?
The attack occurred outside the "Las Margaritas" café in Hialeah, after a heated argument inside.
How was the suspect identified?
A key witness, who had known Pérez for several years, identified him and provided a detailed statement to the police.