Tropical Smoothie customer shot in face at Florida store while complaining about slow service
Police search for shooter
by Peter BurkeFORT PIERCE, Fla. — A Miami man was shot in the face Sunday afternoon while complaining about slow service at a smoothie shop in Fort Pierce, police said.
The 39-year-old victim, who was a customer at the Tropical Smoothie Cafe on Okeechobee Road, was complaining about the length of time it was taking for his order just before 3:30 p.m. when a masked gunman entered the business and confronted the disgruntled customer, shooting him in the face, Fort Pierce police spokesman Mike Jachles said.
After the shooting, the gunman ran off, prompting a large police perimeter in the area and at a nearby apartment complex, but the shooter wasn't found, Jachles said.
The victim was taken to an area hospital, where he remained Monday morning. Jachles said the victim is listed in serious condition but is expected to recover.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call police at 772-577-0753 or Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 800-273-TIPS.