Tragic Chain Reaction: Newly Released Surveillance Footage Shows Deadly Day in Miramar
Armed Robbery Sets Off Tragic Events
On December 5, 2019, a violent armed robbery in Coral Gables set off a tragic chain reaction that would ultimately claim the lives of five people. Newly released surveillance footage shows the events that unfolded on that fateful day.
The Robbery
The video shows Ronnie Hill, one of the two suspects, storming Regent Jewelers with a gun drawn. Hill fired a shot into the ground, injuring an employee. He then forced another employee to empty the jewelry cases in the front of the store. When Hill fled, the jewelry store owner recovered his weapon and opened fire at the getaway vehicle, shattering the rear window.
The Hijacking and Pursuit
As Hill and his accomplice fled, 27-year-old Frank Ordonez, a UPS driver, was making a delivery nearby. The two men approached Ordonez’s work truck and hijacked it, holding him hostage. The suspects led police on a pursuit that spanned over 30 miles from Coral Gables to Miramar, ending in a shootout that left both the suspects and the UPS driver dead.
The Shootout
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement report stated that law enforcement officials fired more than 200 rounds after being warned not to approach the vehicle because the subjects inside the vehicle were armed and shooting at the police. Some of those bullets hit Ordonez and another driver, Richard Cutshaw, at the crossroads.
Indictments and Manslaughter Charges
Four Miami-Dade Officers were indicted as a result of the chaos at the Miramar intersection. FDLE said all bullets that hit Ordonez came from the officers. The officers have since pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges and have bonded out of jail, awaiting their next steps.
Conclusion
The newly released surveillance footage serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of law enforcement transparency. The tragic events that unfolded on December 5, 2019, will never be forgotten, and we hope that by sharing this footage, we can honor the memories of those who lost their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the suspects involved in the armed robbery?
A: Ronnie Hill and another suspect, whose identity was not released.
Q: What happened to the UPS driver, Frank Ordonez?
A: He was hijacked and killed during the shootout with police.
Q: How many bullets were fired by police during the shootout?
A: According to the FDLE report, more than 200 rounds were fired.
Q: What are the charges against the four Miami-Dade Officers?
A: Manslaughter.
