MIAMI – The family of a worker who authorities said was found with gunshot wounds during a massive apartment fire in Miami on Monday spoke to Local 10 News.
Authorities responded to the fire at 431 Northwest Third St., around 9 a.m. as heavy smoke was coming from the building.
It’s part of the Temple Court Apartments complex.
As firefighters continued their battle against the heavy blaze engulfing the apartment complex, they stumbled upon a critically injured man whose torso was pierced by a bullet, investigators confirmed.
Family members identified the wounded man on Monday as 30-year-old Feder Biotte.
Reynold Romeus, who identified himself as the cousin and godfather of Biotte, expressed his shock and anguish over the incident, recounting how he initially couldn’t fathom the news of his loved one being shot.
“I never heard him have a problem with nobody. He is a very nice man. He loves his family and that hurt me really bad,” said Romeus.
Romeus says Biotte, a maintenance worker at the Temple Court Apartments in Miami, claims that his cousin was simply at work doing his job when he was shot.
Authorities swiftly initiated an investigation, leading to the apprehension of the gunman, who faces charges not only for attempted murder but also arson, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez confirmed in a news release Monday evening.
“We have the suspect who fired the gun in custody and who we suspect intentionally started the fire,” said Suarez.
The blaze prompted firefighters to temporarily withdraw as flames devoured numerous units. The intense inferno resulted in three firefighters and a resident, in addition to Biotte, being hospitalized, authorities confirmed.
Romeus provided a glimmer of hope, revealing that Biotte had undergone surgery to remove the bullet from his abdomen and is expected to recover.
Amidst the turmoil, Biotte’s family is clinging to faith, seeking solace and praying for his quick recovery.
“I love God and I believe in God. I said, let’s pray to God to make everything go smoothly and I hope he recovers,” said Romeus.
Authorities have not released any information on the suspect at this time.