Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Man robbed, shot in front of family
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are searching for a masked man, who robbed and shot a father in front of his home, while his wife and children watched.
Lomberto Echane's 2-year-old son is having trouble sleeping after he witnessed a man shoot his father. "We're praying that he recovers because he is everything to my sister and of course to us. All he does is work for his children and for her," said Lydia Gutierrez, the victim's sister-in-law.
Police said the gunman shot Echane, 35, while trying to steal his gold chain Sunday afternoon. The incident happened around 2 p.m. when Echane pulled up to his home on 250th Terrace and Southwest 127th Court and was in the middle of taking his child out of his car seat. "The subject discharged his firearm twice, not striking anyone within the vehicle," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Alvaro Zabaleta.
But the father then made a dangerous decision and took off after the suspect. "Once the subject fled on foot, that's when the victim began to chase after the subject," Zabaleta said. "The subject fired multiple shots towards the victim, striking him, and that's where he collapsed."
Neighbors tried to help Echane. "My mom, she was screaming and stuff because my dad, he works for immigration, and he came out to look and see what happened," said Emerald Hussey.
The victim's wife and two young sons were not hurt. Rescue Crews airlifted Echane to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he remains in critical condition. Doctors had to remove part of his large intestine and they said he is suffering from an infection in his colon.
Police are now looking for the gunman who fled in a green minivan with tinted windows.
If you have any information on this shooting and attempted robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.
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