Victims In Miami Metromover Attacks Plan To File Lawsuits

After a series of attacks on the Miami Metromover this month, the attorneys of the victims intend to file lawsuits, according to NBC Miami on Wednesday (September 23).

Miami-Dade County leaders said they will start beefing up security for the mass transit system following this month's string of attacks.

“What is going on with respect to security? Those are the questions we want answered,” Curt D. Obront, Andrea Puerta's attorney.

Puerta, 29, was brutally beaten by 25-year-old Joshua James King on September 4. Surveillance video showed King thrashing the 29-year-old woman and even throwing her against the side of the car.

Puerta said she still feels pain in her body weeks after the attack and had a concussion and broken rib.

“I was not able to open my mouth very well for the first week. My back so hurt much," she said.

Her attorneys are not only seeking justice against King, but also Miami-Dade County's transit system and the contracted security company, Allied Universal.

King was released on bond but still faces battery and aggravated battery charges.

“As an attorney in South Florida for the past 36 years, I am outraged and saddened to see such senseless violence happen in our city, especially on a public transportation system that is supposed to be safe," Obront said earlier Wednesday in a written statement. “I am shocked that this person was allowed to be released on such low bond and continues to roam the streets of our city, notably after attacking two more innocent victims shortly after attacking my client."

On Sunday (September 20), 73-year-old Eduardo Fernandez was assaulted on the Metromover while on his way to work.

According to NBC Miami, Fernandez was left with two fractured bones in his skull, damage to an eye socket, a jaw fracture, and other injuries.

Robert Lee Ribbs, 62, was arrested two days later and charged with aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, battery on a person 65 or older and strongarm robbery.

An attorney representing Fernandez, Alan Goldfarb, said they also intend to sue Allied Universal.

“You’re now on notice that there’s crimes that are happening on your public transportation for our citizens,” Goldfarb said. 

Photo: Getty Images