MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Miami-Dade police are investigating a shooting and robbery at a tattoo shop that left an employee seriously injured, authorities confirmed.
According to police, two employees of the Eazy Street Tattoos, located at 13433 SW 56 St. in the Miller Shops of Miami-Dade’s Kendale Lakes area, were taking a break at the back of the business when they were ambushed by two armed men on Thursday night.
Eazy Street Tattoos employee Cesar Sanchez, who spoke with Local 10′s Roy Ramos from his hospital bed on Friday, said he was shot in the back while being robbed by a former client and another culprit who returned to the shop under the guise of finishing a tattoo session.
“I get told a lot that I wear a lot of jewelry; you have to be careful,” Sanchez said. “I never thought something like this would happen.”
Sanchez said the client, whom he did not identify, had previously received a tattoo that required multiple sessions.
“The tattoo I did on him was one of the tattoos that was multiple sessions,” Sanchez said. “So I did the words but he didn’t have enough money to get the clouds.”
That’s when Sanchez said the client returned to the shop without an appointment, asking him to complete the tattoo.
Sanchez said before starting, his client requested to smoke with him behind the shop. When they finished, Sanchez said the client and an accomplice ambushed him.
“I went to open the door, I had my hand on the knob, and that is when the guy that I didn’t know put the pistol in my face,” Sanchez said.
Despite his efforts to fend off the attackers, Sanchez said he was shot as he ran back into the shop.
“I took three steps into the tattoo shop and the other guy just shot me,” Sanchez said. “I guess he panicked because he didn’t expect me to fight back.”
Miami-Dade police responded to the scene and said they found Sanchez shot and in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed he was rushed to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital for treatment.
Detectives discovered that the culprits not only shot Sanchez but also stole valuable items, including a $30,000 Rolex, a $20,000 Cuban link chain and two bracelets. The robbers then fled in Sanchez’s car, authorities said.
“We’re combing through surveillance footage that captured the entire armed robbery,” said Miami-Dade Police Detective Andre Martin on Friday. “We have strong leads on the suspects but have yet to make any arrests.”
Police said the other employee was unharmed while Sanchez shared his disbelief with Ramos over the situation.
“He is one of my clients. He robbed me for no reason. I never did harm to him,” Sanchez said. “I can’t understand why someone I trusted would do this.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the culprits or the stolen vehicle to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.