90-year-old man hit by bullet while inside his home during street shooting
- At least two men exchanged gunfire around midnight, causing chaos in Florida City.
- Rafael Cotto, a 90-year-old man, was struck by a stray bullet while in his home.
- Family members demand accountability and call for changes to improve neighborhood safety.
In Florida City, USA, a serious incident occurred when a 90-year-old man was caught in the crossfire of a gunfight early in the morning. The shooting took place shortly after midnight, around 12:09 a.m., as multiple individuals exchanged gunfire near Southwest 6th Avenue and 10th Street. As a result of this reckless behavior, several bullets damaged parked cars and struck nearby residences, including the home of Rafael Cotto, who was inside at the time of the shooting. Rafael Cotto was reportedly in his room working on a puzzle when he was struck by at least two bullets. One bullet ricocheted off his arm, and another penetrated his chest, leading to serious injuries. Family members expressed their distress over the situation, particularly his granddaughter, Samantha Figueroa, who described her grandfather as her everything and mentioned her fear for his life. Efforts to ensure Cotto's safety included his transport to the Jackson South Medical Center, where he was stabilized but required further medical attention. Throughout this ordeal, the local police have not revealed any suspects related to the gunfire, leaving residents feeling unsettled and anxious about the safety of their neighborhood. In her emotional plea, Figueroa called for anyone with information about the incident to come forward, highlighting the urgent need for community support in addressing crime in their area. Her statement reflects a broader concern about the rising gun violence in Florida City and the impact it has on the lives of innocent residents. The incident has prompted discussions about the urgency for local authorities to implement strategies to improve safety and reduce gun violence. Community members are calling for increased awareness and action to prevent similar occurrences in the future, amplifying the cries for change as they navigate the consequences of this tragic event, where a peaceful night turned into a scene of chaos and fear. As Cotto remains in recovery, his family holds hope for his complete healing while advocating for a safer living environment in Florida City.