A shocking incident of violence in a northwest Miami-Dade restaurant has raised serious concerns about increasing safety issues in commercial areas frequented by homeless individuals.
Surveillance footage captured the moment when a woman repeatedly stabbed another with a pair of scissors, while stunned patrons scrambled to get out of harm's way.
The attacker has been identified as Damaris Rodríguez, aged 22, though the identity of the victim remains undisclosed.
Rodríguez, who is homeless, has a history of drug-related charges and trespassing. Her nationality has not yet been released.
A Daylight Attack in a Popular Eatery
The attack took place on Wednesday afternoon at Fritanga Pinolandia, a well-known Nicaraguan restaurant located at Northwest 119th Street and 11th Avenue.
Authorities from Miami-Dade County reported that the altercation began when Rodríguez approached the victim to ask for money. After being refused, she followed the victim into the restaurant, where the assault ensued.
The surveillance video starkly depicts the conflict. The two women struggled inside the establishment until Rodríguez produced a pair of scissors and brutally attacked the other woman, who tried unsuccessfully to defend herself.
Bernardo Ruiz, the restaurant manager, recounted that the victim was stabbed at least four times, primarily in the head and upper limbs.
"They were fighting in the parking lot, and one of them ran inside the business to escape the other. The attacker stabbed her four times in the head with scissors," explained Ruiz.
The victim was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where she is currently in stable condition.
Panic Among Customers and Local Concerns
Media outlets released images showing the chaos that followed the attack.
Some diners were frozen in fear, others sought to distance themselves from the violence, and one mother even dragged her daughter out of the establishment to safeguard her.
"All the customers and all of us were terrified because you see someone with scissors, and she started hitting her in the head," Ruiz told Telemundo 51.
Ruiz also criticized the lack of police presence and the declining safety in the area.
According to his account, such incidents are common in the neighborhood.
"This is an everyday problem, every day," he lamented.
"We rely on customers for our business, but they are afraid of these people who are constantly fighting, asking for money, and causing trouble in our parking lots."
Authorities cordoned off the restaurant shortly after the incident. Detectives from the Northside District's General Investigations Unit collected evidence, with the video footage serving as a crucial piece in their inquiry.
The Attacker's Troubled Past and Mental Health Concerns
Damaris Rodríguez was apprehended a few blocks from the restaurant shortly after the altercation and now faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use, and trespassing.
During her bail hearing, questions arose regarding her mental health condition.
Rodríguez did not respond to the judge and exhibited erratic behavior.
"Your Honor, I don't think she understands; she's not very coherent," commented a court representative. Authorities are considering transferring her to a hospital for medical evaluation.
At the time of the attack, Rodríguez was already out on bail for other drug-related charges.
The case has reignited discussions about Miami's homelessness crisis and the government's response to public safety threats.
Ruiz, the restaurant manager, expressed his frustration: "We call the police, and they arrive an hour later. We hope the police will help us because this is affecting our businesses."
"Please help me. The problem we have with the homeless in this city is too much. We can't take it anymore," he exclaimed to Telemundo cameras.
As the victim continues her recovery in the hospital, the attacker is due back in court on December 1.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Miami Restaurant Attack
Who is the attacker in the Miami restaurant incident?
The attacker has been identified as Damaris Rodríguez, a 22-year-old woman who is homeless and has a history of drug-related charges.
What led to the attack at Fritanga Pinolandia?
The altercation began when Rodríguez approached the victim to ask for money. After being refused, she followed the victim into the restaurant and attacked her with scissors.
What is the current condition of the victim?
The victim was transported by helicopter to Jackson Memorial Hospital and is currently in stable condition.
How has the community reacted to the incident?
The incident has sparked concerns about safety in the area, with the restaurant manager and patrons expressing fear and frustration over the lack of police presence and the regularity of such events.