MIAMI, FL – A dispute over a parking space in a Miami neighborhood escalated dangerously over the weekend, ending with a man allegedly shooting at his cousin, according to police. 51-year-old Elder Cruz is now facing charges of attempted felony murder following the incident.
The cousins share a residence and reportedly began arguing on Saturday at Southwest 27th Street and Southwest 31st Place over where to park outside their home. The disagreement intensified after Cruz requested his cousin to shift his car, a request the cousin denied due to lack of other available parking spots.
According to the arrest report, the argument took a heated turn when the cousin reportedly told Cruz, “Don’t do this, you’re going to kill me.”
Authorities say Cruz shot his cousin in the neck, then fired another shot into the cousin’s wrist. The cousin was able to escape into a bedroom as Cruz’s wife called the police.
Upon arriving at the scene, police arrested Cruz and he was found carrying a Glock 19 with three additional magazines. The firearm was reported stolen from Palm Beach Gardens in 2021. The cousin, meanwhile, was taken to a hospital for immediate treatment. His current condition remains undisclosed.
Both Cruz and his cousin have been ordered to avoid contact with each other.