A violent altercation at a McDonald’s in northwest Miami-Dade led to a tragic incident, where a woman unintentionally shot her 15-year-old daughter.
Melissa Valbrum, 32, is at the center of a troubling case after an altercation at a McDonald’s on 9250 NW 7th Avenue resulted in her accidentally shooting her teenage daughter. According to Miami-Dade Police, the events unfolded late Friday night, post 10 p.m., when Valbrum misinterpreted gestures from another patron.
The misunderstanding involved Valbrum confronting a woman and her cousins, mistakenly believing that one of the victims was gesturing at her. In reality, the individual was signaling their Lyft ride’s arrival. The situation escalated as Valbrum allegedly pointed a firearm at the group, threatening lethal harm, per the arrest report.
The conflict intensified as it spilled over into the parking area, where Valbrum reportedly reached into the Lyft vehicle to physically assault a minor in the group. As the car drove away, a shot was discharged, striking Valbrum’s daughter in the shoulder. Fortunately, the teenager was quickly transported to Ryder Trauma Center and received treatment for her injuries, which were not life-threatening.
In court, Valbrum claimed the firearm unintentionally fell from her waistband, leading to the accidental discharge. However, this account contrasts with witness reports and initial police findings. Consequently, Valbrum was charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, along with misdemeanor battery and culpable negligence.
A judge has mandated that Valbrum maintain a distance from all the victims involved, and she has been held on a $22,000 bond.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of misunderstandings and poor judgment, especially when firearms are involved. Authorities continue their investigation to ensure justice and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Source: NBCMiami