A 23-year-old man was arrested for brandishing a firearm during a verbal confrontation in the parking garage at the Hialeah Campus on March 9, according to a Hialeah Police Department arrest affidavit.
Leonard Diaz was charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, improper exhibition of a firearm and sale or delivery of a controlled substance.
Bringing a firearm to school grounds is prohibited by Florida Statute 810.095 and is considered a third-degree felony.
According to the arrest affidavit, the man who reported the incident said he got into a verbal altercation with Diaz in the parking garage at Hialeah Campus, 1780 W. 49th St., at around 10:20 a.m.
Both individuals were identified as Miami Dade College students.
The man who reported the incident said Diaz got a firearm from his car, placed it in his waistband and walked toward his vehicle while “shouting in an aggressive manner.”
“The victim further stated that [Diaz] kicked his vehicle…” the report says. “Due to the defendant’s behavior, he was in fear of his life because he believed [Diaz] would use the weapon against him.”
Diaz told the police that the other driver had been tailgating him from the first floor to the third floor and he only stepped out of his vehicle to speak with him.
Lieutenant Eddie Rodriguez, the Public Information Officer for the Hialeah Police Department, said that after Diaz was arrested and the officers inventoried his car they found small bags suspected of containing white cocaine, tusi—also known as pink cocaine—an ounce of marijuana and an ecstasy pill.
Diaz was transported to the Turner Guildford Knight Correctional Center before bonding out.
College officials confirmed Diaz has been suspended for violating the student code of conduct.
“Miami Dade College remains committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment across all of our campuses,” the college said in a statement.
To report any public safety issues at Hialeah Campus, call (305) 237-8701.
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