Cuban truck driver jailed after violent fight in Medley

A confrontation over a parking space at a cement warehouse in Medley ended in a violent assault that left a truck driver injured with a concussion, multiple physical injuries, and medical repercussions that impacted his ability to work.

The alleged attacker, a Cuban truck driver identified as Vladimir Núñez Arzola, 53 years old and a resident of Miami Gardens, turned himself in to the authorities recently, but weeks after the incident.

A dispute that escalated quickly

The altercation occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 15, at the facilities of UStone Cement Products, located at 9870 NW 117th Way.

According to the police report -quoted by the local press- the confrontation arose from a disagreement over the available space in the warehouse loading area.

Núñez Arzola, who was working for an external company, became upset because another truck driver, an employee of UStone, had parked in a way that left little room for him to maneuver in.

The images captured by security cameras reveal how both drivers started a heated argument from their respective cabins.

Subsequently, the victim got out of his vehicle, although -according to the police- "he did not take another step, as if he were creating an invisible barrier that he was unwilling to cross."

According to the arrest report, “a prudent and reasonable person would be able to do so,” referring to the act of maintaining distance and avoiding an escalation of the conflict.

The attack: A knife used as a blunt weapon

Núñez Arzola, on the other hand, got out of his truck and, according to the police, had to "jump over or cross large bags of sand on pallets set on the ground" to get closer to the other driver.

When they were face to face, Núñez Arzola held a closed folding knife in his left hand.

The report details that he told the victim in Spanish: “I'm going to get it to you”, in a direct threat.

Seconds later, he used the closed knife like a set of brass knuckles, violently striking the other man in the face.

"The result of the punch was that the victim fell backwards, unable to stop their fall, hitting the back of their head against the ground, bouncing and hitting the ground again," the police report states.

The fall caused a significant open wound that began to bleed profusely and required several medical staples for treatment.

Medical and legal consequences

In addition to the severe blow to the head, the victim suffered a concussion and other unspecified medical complications that, according to authorities, have severely limited their ability to continue working.

The aggressor, Vladimir Núñez Arzola, voluntarily surrendered the following Friday at the Medley Police Department.

Now facing charges of aggravated assault with a weapon causing bodily harm and aggravated battery with a weapon, both felonies in the state of Florida.

The authorities have not stated whether there are any prior criminal records for Núñez Arzola or if additional charges will be filed.

The identity of the driver who was assaulted has also not been revealed for privacy reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Violent Incident in Medley and Violence Related to Conflicts