A couple in Miami is facing charges after allegedly staging a bodybuilding photo shoot that included pointing a loaded high-powered assault rifle in several directions in a parking lot containing a daycare center.
Late in the afternoon on April 22, the mother of a child enrolled at the Miami-Dade childcare center “Devon Aire Kiddy College” arrived at the Crystal Plaza Shopping Center strip mall where the business is located. She reportedly spotted a man and woman taking a firearm out of a vehicle. She reportedly watched as the man posed while pointing the rifle in different directions, one of which was allegedly toward the door of the daycare. The woman called the authorities to report the situation.
Officers from the Miami-Dade Police went to the location, and when they arrived, they reported that the man was still posing with the weapon. The woman was reportedly taking pictures of him.
Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and booked on suspicion of one felony count of aggravated assault with a firearm, and one felony count of exhibiting a firearm near a school property. They were each released after posting $10,000 bonds.
The local news spoke to both parties upon their release, and they each expressed regret, saying they had no idea a daycare was in the vicinity. They said they were not familiar with the area, and they were merely trying to take pictures since they were bodybuilders. They added that they did not notice any signs identifying a daycare and never would have chosen the spot if they had known beforehand.
Investigators reported that surveillance cameras picked up the activities of the suspects while they were in the parking lot.
If you or someone you love is suspected of an assault or battery offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.