Family of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Employee Speaks Out After Halloween Road-Rage Shooting Incident

The family of Emilio Humberto Rodriguez, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employee accused in a Halloween night road-rage shooting, is speaking publicly about the incident that has shocked their community. Rodriguez, 54, has worked for Miami-Dade County for 18 years and currently serves as a fire safety supervisor with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Court records indicate he has no prior criminal history, making the current charges particularly surprising to those who know him.

Family members describe Rodriguez as a quiet, kind, and soft-spoken father who has always been dedicated to helping others. A relative who attended Rodriguez's daughter's Sweet 16 party just weeks before the incident stated, "He's the dad who shows up for everything — PTA meetings, school events, even dance rehearsals." His sister emphasized his commitment to family, noting that he visited their mother twice weekly and every weekend to ensure she had quality time with her grandchildren.

According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, officers responded around 7:45 p.m. on October 31 to Northwest 87th Avenue and 64th Street following reports of a shooting during an apparent road-rage dispute. Investigators say Rodriguez and another driver, identified as 27-year-old Eury Cerda, exited their vehicles after a verbal exchange. Rodriguez allegedly pulled out a gun and fired, grazing Cerda's head. Cerda was treated at a local hospital and later released, while Rodriguez was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder.

During his bond hearing, Rodriguez's family joined via Zoom along with a lieutenant from the fire department to show support. His attorney argued that Rodriguez acted in self-defense after feeling threatened when the other man approached his car. Little is publicly known about Cerda, though a Change.org petition circulating online describes him as a "deadbeat dad," a claim that has not been independently verified.

Rodriguez's family expressed concern that viral headlines have painted only part of the story. "People see a mugshot," another family member said, "but not the man who's been saving lives for 18 years. He's a great dad who made a split-second decision because he was scared. We just pray people remember that he's human too."

To help the family during this difficult time, Rodriguez's sister has organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with household expenses while he is unable to work. Mariela Porcello wrote on the fundraising page, "Many of you have been reaching out to offer assistance and support for my brother Emilio at this extremely difficult time. If you could, please offer your generosity in helping us cover his monthly expenses." The family expressed gratitude for the community's compassion and prayers, emphasizing their hope that the public will remember Rodriguez's long record of service and dedication to others.