Hialeah, Florida – In the early hours of Saturday morning, a mobile mechanic fatally shot a machete-wielding man in what police described as a justified act of self-defense.
The accident happened around 1:30 a.m. near W 2nd Avenue and 29th Street. According to Hialeah police, the collision began when 36-year-old Michel Lope Montes de Oca called a mobile tire repair shop. When mechanic Brandon Hurst, 29, arrived and changed the tire, Montes de Oca was thrilled to discover the replacement tire had been used.
Tensions escalated as Montes de Oca reportedly began verbally threatening Hearst. The situation took a deadly turn when Montes de Oca armed himself with a machete and attacked the mechanic.
Fearing for his life, Hearst drew his concealed firearm and shot Montes de Oca, who was pronounced dead at the scene. After a thorough investigation, Hialeah police concluded that the shooting was justified as self-defense.
Authorities arrested Hearst but have not filed charges pending further investigation.
Once again, self-defense rights save the day, especially for those who legally carry to protect themselves from immediate threats. Police are still investigating and more details are expected.
For residents, this tragic event highlights the unpredictable dangers that can arise in everyday situations and the critical role that self-defense can play in personal safety.