MIAMI,
FLORIDA — A man was arrested Wednesday after shots were fired near Miami
International Airport, prompting a large police response and the temporary
closure of part of the departures area.
Authorities
identified the suspect as 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola, who allegedly
fired four shots near Terminal E. Three of the bullets struck a trash can, and
another hit the windshield of an unoccupied vehicle.
The
incident occurred around 4:05 p.m. near Gate 13. Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office
deputies later located the suspect on the second level of the short-stay
parking garage and took him into custody.
According
to the arrest report, Mendiola was carrying a firearm and two magazines when he
was apprehended. Authorities also noted that he appeared to be under the
influence of alcohol and was exhibiting aggressive behavior. The man faces
charges including a felony for discharging or launching a deadly projectile, as
well as charges of discharging a firearm in a public place and property damage.
The
shooting prompted the temporary closure of the departures level between gates
12 and 17, while vehicular traffic was diverted to the arrivals area. The roads
were later reopened and airport operations began to return to normal.
Authorities
confirmed that no one was injured and ruled out any active threat to the
public. All passengers and airport employees were reported safe.