MIAMI, FL – The tranquil atmosphere of a Sunday night at Club Glades in southwest Miami-Dade was shattered by a violent altercation that left two men dead and a third injured. Authorities confirmed that the suspect, 62-year-old Paul Edward Coke, is now in custody, facing significant legal charges.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at the popular local bar, located on Southwest 256th Street and 184th Avenue. Witnesses reported that what began as a minor disagreement over a spilled drink escalated into a deadly confrontation.
Coke, reportedly involved in a scuffle inside the bar, was ejected by staff. However, the situation took a tragic turn when he allegedly returned with a firearm. Surveillance footage captured moments preceding the shooting, where Coke, wearing a black sleeveless shirt, was involved in the earlier altercation.
Among the deceased is Mark Hess, a well-regarded drummer and beloved community member. Friends and patrons remember him fondly, sharing memories of his musical talents and warm personality. The identity of the second victim, who was reportedly a bar employee, has not yet been disclosed by authorities.
A band member who was present during the incident recounted his brief interaction with Coke earlier in the evening, describing him as a seemingly ordinary customer. “He requested a song, tipped us, and seemed just like any other patron,” he said. The atmosphere at Club Glades, typically reminiscent of a close-knit community where everyone knows each other, was starkly altered by the night’s events.
The third individual injured in the chaos, who remains hospitalized, accidentally shot himself while attempting to flee the scene, according to the sheriff’s office. His condition is currently stable, though his identity has not been released.
As the investigation unfolds, local residents are grappling with the shock of the violence that disrupted their community’s peace. Authorities assure the public that there is no ongoing threat, but the incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate.
The bar, usually a lively hub for social gatherings, remains closed as the investigation continues. Community members are left to mourn the loss of life and the sudden breach of safety in their neighborhood.