Florida City Walmart shooting leaves one dead, others injured

At least one person was killed and several others were injured after multiple suspects opened fire inside a Walmart in Florida City on Wednesday afternoon, authorities reported. 

The shooting took place at the Walmart at 33501 S. Dixie Highway at around 3 p.m., the Miami-Dade Police Department confirmed. At least six gunshots were heard, causing people to frantically run throughout the store to look for cover. 

"I heard six shots, pow-pow-pow, and then everybody was running away," said a witness that was in the store. 

According to the police, the shooting began after there was an altercation between two groups of people. After it escalated to a physical fight, one individual pulled out a gun and started shooting. 

The victim that was fatally wounded was identified as 23-year-old Nathaniel Baez. He was one of the individuals that were involved in the altercation, according to police.  

One of those injured was an innocent bystander that was shot by a stray bullet. He is expected to survive despite his injuries. Another customer had a panic attack from the incident and a woman injured her head while running away. Five others were treated at the scene and released. 

"It's unfortunate that a customer who was not involved in this incident was struck, this could have been much more tragic,” said Miami-Dade Police spokesman Alvaro Zabaleta. 

One of the individuals involved in the altercation was arrested by police, Zabaleta added. Four other suspects fled the scene. Police are looking for the suspects. 

"We are deeply saddened by what took place in our Florida City store, and our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones. The store is closed at this time," a Walmart spokesperson said in a statement Wednesday.

"We will work closely with local law enforcement through the course of their investigation and will refer further questions to police."