A Miami-Dade dad spent Father's Day in the hospital after a dispute over dog poop turned violent, authorities say.
Jose Rey was walking his dog home Saturday night in his Kendall neighborhood when one of his neighbors, 66-year-old Omar Rodriguez, said Rey's dog was attempting to defecate in Rodriguez's son's yard, police say. Neighbors told police that the two men began arguing loudly and Rodriguez told police that Rey threatened to return and fight him.
The dispute continued as Rey stopped to talk outside of a neighbor's house. Rodriguez told police that after he spotted what appeared to be a shiny object in Rey's hand, he went to his car and retrieved a gun from his glove compartment.
He then pointed the gun at Rey, and fired when the msn appeared to move closer, according to police.
A neighbor told police that Rodriguez shot Jose Rey two times. According to the Miami-Dade Police Department's arrest report, Rodriguez also threatened to shoot Rey's wife, Lissy, when she ran over to help her husband.
"I just saw him shoot my husband various times," Lissy Rey said outside Kendall Regional Hospital where her husband is in critical condition.
"It started with him not wanting to have a dog on his lawn and next thing you know he's popping off," a witness said.
Neighbors said this is not the first time Rodriguez has threatened residents in the area.
"I didn't know if this guy was going to go down the whole entire block because he's been having issues with everyone," said Daniel Garvito who called 911.
Several neighbors have filed restraining orders to keep Rodriguez away because he doesn't even live in the neighborhood. The incident happened at his son's home. However, it's the same story in Rodriguez's own neighborhood a couple of miles away.
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"He did not like anyone walking on his sidewalk," one neighbor said. "He considered it his. And if you walked by, you were able to become a victim of his aggressiveness."
"Maybe it's the same subject intimidating the neighbors or there's been a back and forth," said Detective Daniel Ferrin.
Miami-Dade Police provided NBC 6 with surveillance video of Rodriguez allegedly in action. In November of last year, cameras appear to capture him leaving his own driveway, stopping an elderly couple in their car then allegedly scream obscenities and insults.
On two occasions Rodriguez was captured on video throwing trash from his wife's car onto the neighbors' lawn. Two neighborhoods, two sets residents all with the same story... labeling Rodriguez as a ticking time bomb that finally went off
"Unfortunately he took things to another level and now he's going to have to answer to that," Det. Ferrin said.
Rey, a father of two, has already undergone two surgeries and remains in critical condition. Family members and friends said he suffered severe abdominal and spinal injuries.
"It's a miracle, he's breathing on his own," friend Frank Ponce de Leon said. "We're just hoping for the best."
Rodriguez was arrested and faces charges of second-degree attempted murder and aggravated assault. His bond was set at $27,500, jail records showed.
NBC 6 contacted Rodriguez's wife, who declined to comment. Rodriguez has also hired an attorney.
A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the Rey family with medical expenses. If you would like to help, click here.
