MIAMI — A Christmas Day brunch ended in violence when a woman allegedly shot her son outside the Red Rooster restaurant in Miami, according to police.
The shooting occurred around 3 p.m. at the restaurant located at 920 NW Second Ave. Authorities identified the suspect as 50-year-old Roseita Lavette Smith of Fort Lauderdale.
Miami police responded to reports of gunfire and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to his left thigh. Miami Fire Rescue treated him at the scene before transporting him to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was listed in stable condition.
Investigators said the victim told detectives he had gone to the restaurant with Smith earlier that afternoon for brunch. While inside, Smith reportedly became upset and accused her son of being disrespectful toward her and other family members.
Police said the argument continued outside in the parking lot and escalated after both entered Smith’s vehicle. The victim eventually exited the car, followed by Smith, who then fired one shot, striking him in the thigh.
Smith fled the scene but was later located and arrested by the Miami Police Department’s Domestic Violence Felony Apprehension Team.
In a statement to police, Smith claimed she acted in self-defense, saying her son threatened to assault her after refusing to leave her vehicle. She said she feared for her safety due to his past behavior. The victim later identified Smith as the shooter while speaking with detectives at the hospital.
Jail records show Smith is being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.