MIAMI – Miami police are investigating an attack that occurred Thursday morning, leaving two people dead and two others injured.
According to authorities, someone called 911 shortly after 6 a.m., saying a man was beating up people with a stick in the area of North Miami Avenue and Sixth Street.
“After a short foot pursuit, the defendant was taken into custody,” Miami Police Chief Manny Morales said.
Police say two homeless men were attacked and beaten by the man before he went on to attack a couple. Police said all four victims are homeless.
Authorities said the suspect, whom they haven’t publicly identified, “has no arrest history in Miami but does have an arrest history in New York.”
Two have since died from their injuries and two remain in the hospital.
A command center was set up after the fatal attack near the Brightline Central Station.
With the suspect — a man in his 30s — in custody, the police chief says downtown Miami residents don’t need to be afraid.
“Downtown is safe and the Miami Police Department stands ready to guard you and your family,” Morales said.
Further details about what led up to the attack remain unclear.