Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office deputies responded quickly to reports of an active shooter at Miami International Airport just after 4 p.m. on Wednesday. When they arrived, they found the suspect, identified as 31‑year‑old Francisco Ivan Mendiola, seated on the second floor of the short‑term parking garage.
Suspect’s actions and arrest
According to the arrest report, Mendiola loaded a magazine into a firearm and discharged a single shot while sitting on a bench. Detectives later determined that he fired a total of four rounds. Three of those rounds struck a metal trash can near the occupied terminal, and a fourth hit an unoccupied vehicle. No passengers or airport employees were injured.
Deputies placed Mendiola in handcuffs and took him into custody without further incident. He was found to be intoxicated and acting aggressively, which prevented detectives from interviewing him immediately after his arrest.
Law‑enforcement response
The sheriff’s office mobilized a large contingent of deputies, including officers in tactical gear and armed with rifles, to secure the area. Aerial footage from a police helicopter showed the departure level of the terminal closed from doors 12 to 17, and roadway lanes were temporarily rerouted. Yellow crime‑scene tape marked the perimeter while investigators processed the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing a “big boom” and seeing the suspect dive behind a car. Cell‑phone videos captured the suspect in handcuffs being escorted by deputies and the extensive police presence around the airport.
Charges and background
Mendiola now faces charges of shooting a deadly missile, discharging a firearm in a public place, and criminal mischief. The arrest report notes that he was homeless and had prior petty‑theft arrests for stealing alcohol from a nearby supermarket in June.
Airport operations restored
Miami‑Dade Aviation Department officials confirmed that all passengers and employees were safe and that there were no injuries. After a brief shutdown, the departure level and roadway lanes reopened, and normal airport operations resumed.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the community and thanked the public‑safety teams for their swift and professional response.
Original reporting: NBC6 Miami — read the source article.
