Man, 21, accused of shooting victim following money dispute in North Miami

NORTH MIAMI, Fla. – A confrontation turned nearly deadly when police said a 21-year-old man and his associates sought out a man at a residence in North Miami last month.

North Miami police said the encounter escalated when the victim, who is the brother of the man the group was searching for, encountered the group on the second floor of his apartment complex just before 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26 near the 13000 block of Northeast Sixth Avenue.

Moments after an altercation ensued over money involving the victim’s brother, police said Lexter Coriolan, of Miami Gardens, pulled out a gun from his waistband and fired multiple shots toward the victim. One bullet struck the victim in the buttocks as he attempted to flee.

In self-defense, the victim, who was also armed, returned fire, hitting Coriolan once in the chest, according to an arrest report.

Despite being wounded, Coriolan briefly fled the scene before returning to the victim, who was lying on the first-floor landing, and fired additional shots at close range, the report stated.

Investigators said Coriolan then fled in a vehicle but later sought medical attention at Jackson North Medical Center. He was then transported to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital.

On Feb. 27, police said they positively identified Coriolan as the perpetrator of the shooting based on the victim’s testimony.

An arrest report states the victim and Coriolan were acquainted through the victim’s brother, who was a friend of Coriolan’s.

Following the incident, detectives said they spoke with Coriolan at Florida Aventura Hospital on March 1.

After being read his Miranda Rights, Coriolan invoked his right to remain silent.

Jail records show he is facing one count of attempted murder with a deadly weapon.

As of Monday, Coriolan was being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.