Miami-Dade County, FL – A disturbing incident unfolded this past weekend when Claudy Saul, 49, was arrested on two attempted murder charges after allegedly running over two pedestrians intentionally at a shopping center just outside North Miami Beach.
The shocking event occurred around 12:40 p.m. on Saturday at the Shops at Skylake, located at 1650 NE Miami Gardens Drive in the unincorporated Ojus area. Authorities say Saul waited for his victims to cross at marked crosswalks before deliberately striking them with his vehicle.
Details of the Incident at Shops at Skylake
According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the sequence of events was chillingly deliberate:
- Saul initially stopped at a stop sign while a woman crossed the plaza.
- He then accelerated and struck her, resulting in serious injuries that required hospital care.
- Driving eastward, Saul stopped at another stop sign, waited for a man to cross, and then sped up, hitting him as well.
- The male victim was also transported to a hospital with injuries sustained in the collision.
- Saul’s vehicle crashed into a concrete pillar afterward, disabling the car.
- An on-scene MDSO deputy immediately took Saul into custody while he remained inside the vehicle.
Current Status and Investigation
There is no information yet on a motive behind this apparently random attack. Saul was transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital before formal arrest procedures were completed. As of Monday, he remains in custody without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, according to online jail records.
This troubling case is still under investigation, with authorities seeking any additional information to better understand the events leading up to the incident. Police are urging anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.
“These acts of violence are deeply concerning, and our deputies acted swiftly to prevent further harm,” said a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office representative.
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Community Impact and Safety Concerns
This attack at a busy strip mall has raised concerns about pedestrian safety in the area. The fact that the driver appeared to target victims deliberately highlights the urgent need for increased security measures and awareness around crosswalks and public spaces.
Key safety reminders for pedestrians and drivers include:
- Always use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Drivers should remain vigilant and prepared to stop for crossing pedestrians.
- Report any suspicious or dangerous driving behavior to local authorities immediately.
For further details and ongoing updates, visit the original report from Local10 News.
What Happens Next?
With charges of attempted murder filed, Claudy Saul faces serious legal consequences if found guilty. The community hopes for justice and calls for strengthened safety protocols to protect pedestrians in Miami-Dade County.
Authorities continue to investigate and gather evidence to piece together the motive and ensure accountability.
What do you think about this incident? Have you experienced or witnessed dangerous pedestrian situations in Miami-Dade? Share your thoughts in the comments below!