Two teenagers were arrested on Monday in connection with an armed robbery and shooting incident that critically injured a tattoo artist in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
Two armed men ambushed two employees of Eazy Street Tattoos while they were taking a break at the back of the business. The incident took place at the tattoo shop located at 13433 SW 56th St. in the Miller Shops of the Kendale Lakes area on Thursday night, as reported by the police.
Cesar Sanchez, an employee at Eazy Street Tattoos, recounted his harrowing experience from his hospital bed. He revealed that he was shot in the back during a robbery. The incident occurred when a former client, accompanied by another individual, entered the shop pretending to complete a tattoo session.
Miami-Dade police have officially identified the two individuals as Elijah Young and Nathaniel Sweeting, both of whom are 18 years old.
During the tattoo session, Young, Sweeting, Sanchez, and another store employee took a break at the back of the business for a smoke. According to the police, this happened at some point during the tattoo session.
According to the arrest report, Sanchez was returning to the tattoo shop when Young and Sweeting suddenly brandished firearms and aimed them at the victims, demanding their belongings.
Sanchez did not comply with the authorities and attempted to enter the business for safety, but one of the two suspects shot him.
After the shooting took place, Young and Sweeting forcefully took Sanchez’s jewelry and car keys before leaving in his vehicle, according to authorities.
According to the police, the co-worker of Sanchez managed to escape the scene unharmed.
Sanchez expressed surprise and concern over the incident, stating, “I receive frequent comments about my jewelry, so I always try to be cautious. However, I never anticipated something like this would occur.”
Sanchez recounted his brave attempts to defend himself against the attackers, but unfortunately, he was shot when he made a dash back into the shop.
Sanchez recounted his terrifying experience at the tattoo shop, recalling how he had only taken three steps inside before he was shot by the other individual. He believes that the assailant may have been caught off guard by his unexpected defiance.
Sanchez was immediately taken to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital for treatment after the incident. He was initially in critical condition but later stabilized.
Detectives made a shocking discovery when they found out that the perpetrators were not only responsible for shooting Sanchez, but they also made off with several valuable items. Among the stolen goods were a $30,000 Rolex, a $20,000 Cuban link chain, and two bracelets. After committing the crime, the robbers quickly escaped in Sanchez’s car, according to authorities.
Sanchez expressed his disbelief to Ramos while the police confirmed that the other employee was unharmed.
Sanchez expressed his disbelief and confusion over the actions of one of his clients. He stated, “He robbed me for no reason. I never did harm to him. I can’t understand why someone I trusted would do this.”
According to jail records, Young and Sweeting are both charged with several serious offenses, including attempted felony murder, armed robbery with a deadly weapon, carjacking during an armed robbery, and carrying a concealed firearm without a license.
The arrest report did not mention which of them was Sanchez’s client, Young or Sweeting.
Both suspects are currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center as of Tuesday.