A man was stabbed during an altercation at a 24 Hour Fitness in Miami Gardens on Thursday, prompting a police manhunt for the assailant who remains at large.
The incident occurred shortly before 7 p.m. at the gym located on Northwest 27th Avenue. According to Miami Gardens Police, an argument between two men escalated when one of the individuals produced a knife and stabbed the other.
The victim managed to exit the gym and received immediate assistance from off-duty officers present at the scene. He was subsequently airlifted to Aventura Hospital, where he is reported to be in critical but stable condition.
Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, who reportedly fled through the back of the gym and entered an adjacent apartment complex. The police have yet to determine whether the assailant resides within the complex.
24 Hour Fitness released a statement confirming the incident occurred at their location and expressed their concern for the victim, stating, “Our thoughts are with the victim, and we hope for a speedy recovery.” The gym also noted that they are unable to comment further due to the ongoing police investigation.
Local residents have been unsettled by the incident. Luis Portalatin, who lives in the neighboring apartment complex, reported seeing a flurry of activity and police presence following the attack. “We don’t know if that person lives here or not but they shut down one of the buildings,” said Portalatin. “Me thinking that someone that may have caused this lives here is very disturbing for me to know.”
The incident also affected gym-goers, some of whom arrived to find the scene cordoned off by police. Betty Belair, who arrived shortly after the incident, believed divine intervention played a role in her delayed arrival. “The Holy Spirit said that’s the connection, that’s why I stalled you, I didn’t want you involved, I kept you out of harm’s way,” she said.
Police continue their efforts to locate and apprehend the suspect as the investigation proceeds.