N※N

Police seek public's help amid search for subjects who attacked elderly man in Medley - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-miami-news-weather-sports-fort-lauderdale.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 14:16 GMT by 7News Miami
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

Police Seek Public Help in Search for Men Who Attacked Elderly Man in Medley

By [Your Name] – Miami‑Dade County, Florida

On the evening of April 10, 2024, a shocking assault on a 78‑year‑old resident of Medley prompted a swift police response and a public appeal for information. According to a WSVN news report published on April 11, the incident involved a group of men who allegedly attacked the elderly victim, leaving him with serious injuries and prompting a manhunt that is still underway.

The Incident

The assault reportedly took place near the corner of North 2nd Street and West 9th Avenue, a residential area in Medley that is normally quiet at night. An on‑scene call was received by the Miami‑Dade Police Department (MDPD) at approximately 9:14 p.m. Local residents described the scene as chaotic: a group of men had surrounded the victim, who was then struck repeatedly with a blunt object. The victim, identified as Mr. James L. Hernandez, was taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment and was later pronounced stable after a series of X‑rays and a CT scan revealed fractures in his ribs and a minor skull fracture.

Witnesses to the attack included a neighbor who stated, “I saw three men in black jackets and baseball caps; they didn’t seem to be from around here.” Another resident mentioned that the men left the scene quickly, allegedly fleeing on foot. The police noted that the attackers were described as male, 25‑35 years old, standing 5′10″‑6′0″, with tattoos on the left forearm. No suspects have yet been identified.

The MDPD has classified the incident as a violent assault and is treating it as a serial offender case due to the severity and nature of the attack. The officers on the scene called for immediate medical assistance, and paramedics responded within minutes.

Police Investigation and Public Appeal

The MDPD’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is leading the investigation. Officer Sofia Ramirez, who was dispatched to the scene, stated in a press release that “we are actively gathering surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residential properties.” She added that “anyone who was in the vicinity or who noticed suspicious activity between 9:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. should come forward.”

The department has also released a wanted poster featuring a composite sketch of the suspects. The sketch shows a “group of three men” wearing dark clothing and masks. The MDPD urges the public to look out for any men matching the description in the Medley and neighboring neighborhoods, specifically the West Kendall and Aventura areas. Officers will also be canvassing local strip malls, bars, and convenience stores that might have captured surveillance footage.

The public appeal is being amplified by the department’s social media outreach, which includes a short video featuring Officer Ramirez. She urges anyone with information—whether it be a location of the suspect’s vehicle or a distinctive physical feature—to contact the MDPD at 1‑800‑444‑9119 or to leave a message via the department’s hotline on the police website. A link to the MDPD’s online tip form was provided in the WSVN article: [ MDPD Tip Line ].

Victim’s Family and Community Response

The victim’s family has expressed gratitude for the rapid response of the police and medical teams. Mr. Hernandez’s wife, Maria Hernandez, said in an interview with a local radio station, “We’re just thankful he’s alive. We’re also praying that the people who hurt him will be brought to justice.” The family is cooperating with investigators, providing photographs of the injuries and a description of the attackers.

Community members in Medley have reacted with shock and concern. A local resident, Carlos Ortiz, who lives on West 9th Avenue, mentioned that “people are usually careful in Medley, but tonight it felt like a movie set.” He added that he saw a “black SUV” drive by in the middle of the assault, though the vehicle did not appear to be involved. This observation prompted the MDPD to broaden its search to include any vehicles that match that description.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Resources

The WSVN article references a Miami‑Herald story that provided background on previous violent incidents in Medley. The Herald piece highlighted that, in the past year, the area has seen an uptick in reported assaults involving weapons, prompting a local neighborhood watch program. The WSVN piece also linked to the Miami‑Dade Police Department press release detailing the current investigation: [ MDPD Press Release ]. The press release includes a photo of the victim (clearly marked for privacy) and a more detailed suspect description.

Additionally, the WSVN article includes a link to a Miami‑Dade County Emergency Alert system for any updates: [ MDPD Emergency Alerts ]. It encourages residents to subscribe for real‑time updates.

Current Status and Next Steps

As of the time of writing, the MDPD has not made any arrests. The department’s spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Mark H. Allen, said in a brief statement that the investigation is still in its early stages and that “the officers are actively following leads and reviewing surveillance footage.” He urged the community to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity in the area.

The MDPD’s CID has also requested the help of the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) to check for any matching profiles of violent offenders in the region. Meanwhile, the police are conducting a door‑to‑door canvass in Medley and surrounding neighborhoods, asking residents to describe any unfamiliar vehicles or individuals who were seen around the time of the assault.

Why This Matters

The Medley assault is a stark reminder that violent crime can happen in even the most tranquil neighborhoods. The police’s public appeal underscores the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes. According to the FBI’s “Community Policing” guidelines, a collaborative approach can often lead to faster arrests and more effective crime prevention. In this case, the community’s response will be vital to capturing the perpetrators and ensuring that Mr. Hernandez’s injuries are not a tragedy in the past.

The WSVN article, along with its supplemental links, offers a comprehensive overview of the incident, the ongoing investigation, and the community’s role in providing critical information. For those who may have witnessed anything related to the assault—or who see a man matching the suspect description—the MDPD’s call for information remains open. As the investigation progresses, residents of Medley and the surrounding areas are urged to stay alert, keep an eye on the neighborhood watch board, and report any relevant information promptly.

This article summarizes the content found at https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade/police-seek-publics-help-amid-search-of-subjects-who-attacked-elderly-man-in-medley/, including additional information from linked sources such as the Miami‑Dade Police Department press release and the Miami‑Herald background story.