HIALIA, FL. (WSVN) – An overnight tire dispute in Hialeah turned deadly in what police called an act of self-defense.
Hialeah police units responded to the scene of the shooting in the area of West Second Avenue and 29th Street around 1:30 a.m. Saturday.
Investigators say 36-year-old Michel Lope Montes de Oca contacted a mobile tire repair shop to fix his vehicle.
Detectives said the mobile mechanic, identified as 29-year-old Brandon Hurst, responded to the scene and began working on Montes de Oca’s vehicle.
At one point, a confrontation arose between the two men. Police said Montes de Oca became upset after checking his tire and realizing the one Hurst had installed was a used tire.
Detectives said Montes de Oca threatened Hearst, then attacked him with a machete in hand. Fearing for his life, the mechanic pulled out his gun and opened fire, striking the enraged customer repeatedly.
Police arrested Hearst, but later ruled the incident a justified shooting in self-defense.
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