A heated confrontation outside a McDonald’s in Miami-Dade County turned tragic when a mother’s actions resulted in her teenage daughter being shot, according to police. The incident, which began as a misunderstanding over a perceived slight, ended with Melissa Valbrum, 32, facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and culpable negligence.
Authorities say the altercation unfolded Friday night, Nov. 22, when Valbrum and her 15-year-old daughter were at the fast-food restaurant. A group of three people waiting for a ride-share vehicle inadvertently triggered the chaos when one of them pointed outside to signal their driver had arrived. Valbrum’s daughter mistakenly believed the gesture was directed at her mother and informed her, leading to an argument that escalated into violence.
After following the group outside, Valbrum allegedly retrieved a gun from her car and threatened to shoot and kill the group and the Lyft driver. Police say she also reached into the vehicle and assaulted one of the passengers, a minor. As the Lyft sped away, a gunshot rang out, striking Valbrum’s daughter in the shoulder. She was transported to a hospital and is in stable condition, according to authorities.
Valbrum later told police that the firearm had fallen from her waistband and accidentally discharged. However, surveillance footage and videos recorded by witnesses reportedly showed her holding the gun and banging on the Lyft’s rear passenger window. These recordings, which have not been made public, were key evidence in her arrest.
The mother was released on a $22,000 bond and ordered to stay away from the victims, the driver, and her daughter. While the investigation continues, the case highlights how quickly a minor misunderstanding can escalate into a potentially fatal situation when firearms are involved.
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