Man Arrested in Connection with Shooting of Cuban Activist Manuel Milanés

A man identified as Hilberto Callejas was detained on Thursday in Collier County for shooting during a domestic dispute, which left Cuban influencer and activist Manuel Milanés injured.

Sheriff Kevin Rambosk announced the arrest of Callejas, a 26-year-old resident of Hendry County, in connection with a shooting that took place in the morning in the community of Ave Maria, where the activist resides.

Rambosk clarified that it was a severe incident of domestic violence that escalated tragically when Callejas shot a witness who attempted to intervene. The altercation occurred shortly before 9 a.m. in Ave Maria, prompting sheriff's deputies to be dispatched following reports of domestic violence.

Callejas rammed his vehicle into another person's car during an argument, then exited his vehicle, approached the other car, and shattered a window with a firearm.

A witness observed the incident and confronted Callejas, who then shot the witness in the shoulder before fleeing the scene, leading to a police chase.

"Detectives identified Callejas' vehicle as it was leaving Ave Maria. Deputies pursued him until he abandoned his vehicle at the intersection of 60th Avenue Northeast and Everglades Boulevard," Rambosk explained.

After abandoning his vehicle, Callejas fled on foot into nearby woods, according to the sheriff.

Callejas faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm, aggravated battery, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and child abuse, among others.

Milanés was airlifted to the hospital, and "the surgical procedure was successful," reported fellow Cuban activist Wilfredo Beyra, who has been providing updates on the case, which remains under investigation.