A 35-year-old woman identified as Emely Barberena was taken into custody this Wednesday after allegedly stabbing a man near the Tri-Rail station in Hialeah, located at 1125 East 25th Street. The victim was left critically injured.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office (MDSO) reported that deputies, alongside fire and rescue teams, arrived at the scene around 7:20 a.m. They discovered the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, suffering from apparent stab wounds. Paramedics rushed the individual to Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Theft of a Bicycle Sparks Violent Altercation
The incident began earlier when the victim reported the theft of his bicycle to the Hialeah Police Department. Upon arriving at the train station, the victim recognized Barberena and her boyfriend with the stolen bicycle, as detailed in the arrest report cited by Univision.
"The victim had just arrived at the station when he spotted a woman and her boyfriend in possession of his bicycle, which had been stolen earlier that Wednesday," the police report states.
Barberena's boyfriend allegedly threw the bicycle at the victim, causing him to fall onto the train tracks, which escalated into a three-way confrontation.
Confrontation Escalates to Train Tracks
During the brawl, the victim used a broomstick to strike Barberena as she approached him. "The woman managed to arm herself with a broken piece of the broomstick and hit the victim, while her boyfriend began punching and striking him," the arrest report indicates.
In a critical moment, the victim pushed Barberena onto the tracks, prompting her boyfriend to retaliate by pushing the victim onto the tracks as well.
While the victim was defenseless on the tracks, Barberena allegedly inflicted a cut on his face with a knife, according to a report by Local 10. Prior to this, Barberena had already stabbed the victim in the torso and an arm. The man sustained a stab wound to the abdomen, a cut on his arm, a cheek laceration, and other injuries from the fall and the skirmish.
Barberena Apprehended at Bus Stop
After the attack, both suspects fled the scene on foot. However, officers soon located Barberena at a bus stop opposite the station. She was taken to Hialeah Hospital for treatment of minor injuries and was formally arrested once released.
"Investigators noted that surveillance footage reviewed during the investigation supported the victim's account," reported the cited media outlet.
Barberena faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a third-degree felony in Florida carrying a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
Barberena's Boyfriend Remains At Large
Barberena's boyfriend, whose identity has not been disclosed, fled before authorities arrived and remains at large, according to the MDSO.
Hialeah has witnessed several violent incidents in recent months, including a stabbing in May and a bar raid resulting in 14 arrests in February.
Authorities have urged anyone with information on the suspect's whereabouts to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hialeah Stabbing Incident
What led to the stabbing incident near the Hialeah train station?
The incident began with the theft of the victim's bicycle, which led to a confrontation when he recognized the suspects with the stolen item.
What charges does Emely Barberena face?
Emely Barberena is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a third-degree felony in Florida.
What is the status of Barberena’s boyfriend?
Barberena's boyfriend remains on the run, and authorities are seeking information on his whereabouts.