One Critically Injured, Second Shooter Sought After Gunfire at Northwest Miami-Dade Gas Station

One man is in critical condition and authorities are searching for another person after an argument reportedly escalated into a shootout near a busy northwest Miami-Dade gas station Wednesday evening.

According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, two men allegedly pulled out guns and exchanged gunfire near a Mobil gas station at Northwest 12th Avenue and Northwest 103rd Street. Authorities said the shooting occurred during rush hour and also left a vehicle at the gas station damaged by gunfire.

What We Know About the Northwest Miami-Dade Shooting

The shooting happened at approximately 5:30 p.m. on August 12, 2026.

According to investigators, two men became involved in an argument at or immediately next to the Mobil gas station. At some point during the confrontation, authorities said both men produced firearms and began shooting.

One of the men was struck by gunfire.

Despite his injuries, authorities said he drove himself to North Shore Hospital. He was subsequently transferred to Ryder Trauma Center, where he was listed in critical condition.

The second person involved left the scene before deputies could take him into custody.

Authorities Searching for Second Shooter

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe the second shooter fled the area in a black sedan.

Authorities have not released the person’s identity or a more detailed description.

Investigators are asking witnesses and anyone who may have information about what happened to come forward.

Because the shooting occurred near a busy gas station during the evening rush hour, authorities believe there could be additional witnesses or surveillance footage that helps investigators reconstruct the confrontation and identify the person who left the scene.

Bystander’s Vehicle Struck by Gunfire

Although no innocent bystanders were reported injured, the gunfire reportedly struck a red vehicle parked at one of the gas pumps.

The location and timing of the shooting created the potential for significantly more injuries.

Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Daniel Castillo emphasized that an innocent person could easily have been struck during the exchange of gunfire.

The fact that no uninvolved customers, employees or motorists were reported injured was fortunate given the circumstances.

Investigation Could Rely Heavily on Surveillance Footage

Gas stations frequently have multiple surveillance cameras covering fuel pumps, entrances, parking areas and surrounding portions of the property.

Investigators may seek footage from the Mobil station as well as neighboring businesses, residences, traffic cameras and vehicles equipped with dashboard cameras.

Other potentially important evidence may include:

• Witness statements
• Shell casings and other ballistic evidence
• Firearms recovered during the investigation
• Damage to vehicles and surrounding property
• Cell phone evidence, when legally obtained
• Hospital and emergency response records
• Photographs and video recorded by witnesses
• License plate or vehicle information associated with the black sedan

This evidence could help investigators determine how the confrontation began, the sequence of the gunfire and the identities and actions of the people involved.

Shootings at Businesses Can Raise Premises Liability Questions

When a shooting occurs at a gas station or another commercial property, the person who committed the violent act may not necessarily be the only party examined in a subsequent civil investigation.

Florida law can impose certain responsibilities on property owners and businesses regarding dangerous conditions and foreseeable criminal activity.

However, a shooting occurring on commercial property does not automatically make the business or property owner legally responsible.

Whether a potential negligent security claim exists depends heavily on the circumstances surrounding the incident.

There is currently no publicly available information establishing that the Mobil station or its property owner failed to provide legally required security measures or otherwise contributed to Wednesday’s shooting.

When Could a Florida Business Face Liability for a Shooting?

A negligent security investigation may examine whether a property owner or business knew or should have known about a foreseeable risk of criminal activity and whether reasonable measures were taken in response.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence could include previous violent incidents at or around the property, security procedures, lighting, surveillance systems, staffing and other measures intended to protect customers.

Florida law contains specific requirements governing premises liability claims involving criminal acts by third parties. Establishing liability therefore requires substantially more than showing that a violent crime happened on a business’s property.

Potential Legal Rights of Innocent Bystanders

Fortunately, authorities said no uninvolved people were physically injured in this shooting.

Had a customer, employee, pedestrian or motorist been struck by gunfire, that person could potentially have had civil claims against the shooter and, depending on the evidence, potentially other legally responsible parties.

Even without physical injury, the owner of the red vehicle reportedly struck by gunfire may have a claim for property damage depending on the circumstances and available insurance coverage.

The criminal investigation will likely provide additional information about what occurred and who was involved.

Criminal Investigation Continues

The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the shooting and search for the second person involved.

One of the alleged shooters remained in critical condition after being transferred to Ryder Trauma Center. The other reportedly fled in a black sedan and remained at large as of the latest information provided by authorities.

Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could help identify the person who fled to contact law enforcement.

Additional information regarding the identities of those involved, possible arrests and potential criminal charges may be released as the investigation continues.