90-Year-Old Man Hit by Stray Bullet While in His Florida Home—What Happened Next Will Shock You!

A peaceful night in Florida City turned into a nightmare for 90-year-old Rafael Cotto, who was hit by a stray bullet while sitting in his home. The shooting occurred around midnight on March 17, 2025, when a gun battle broke out on the street near Cotto’s home.

Cotto, who was inside his house working on a crossword puzzle, was completely unaware of the gunfire that would soon change his life. A bullet, fired from outside, made its way through multiple barriers in Cotto’s home, first hitting a hurricane shutter, then passing through a door, and finally striking the elderly man in the shoulder.

His great-grandson, Anthony De La Rosa, recalled the confusion when they first heard the sound. “We all thought it was a dirt bike… until we realized he was screaming,” De La Rosa said. It wasn’t until Cotto came out of his room, wounded and in pain, that the family understood what had happened.

Medical Response and Condition

Emergency responders rushed Cotto to Jackson South Medical Center, where doctors found that the bullet had grazed his arm and lodged in his shoulder. Given Cotto’s age, doctors are carefully weighing the risks of surgery to remove the bullet. Despite the trauma, Cotto’s family is hopeful, with De La Rosa expressing gratitude, “I’m just thankful he’s okay. We’re hoping they catch the people responsible.”

Family’s Concern Over Safety

The shooting has shaken not only Cotto’s family but also the community. Cotto’s granddaughter, Samantha Figueroa, voiced her fear for the safety of her own children. “This is not a safe area,” she said. “I want to move out of here. It’s just too dangerous.”

Figueroa also urged residents to step forward with any information that could help police solve the case. “We need to find the people who did this. My grandpa shouldn’t have to go through this,” she added.

Investigation Underway

At this time, Florida City Police have no leads on the suspects involved in the shooting. Investigators are still piecing together details about the gun battle that led to the stray bullet hitting Cotto’s home. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward to help with the investigation.

A Wake-Up Call for the Community

This troubling incident has sparked widespread concern about gun violence in residential neighborhoods. It highlights the unpredictable dangers of stray bullets and the urgent need for action to protect innocent people from becoming victims of senseless gunfire.

Cotto’s family, while relieved that he’s expected to recover, remains deeply shaken by the randomness of the attack. As the investigation continues, many in the community are calling for better policing and stronger measures to prevent further gun violence.

Conclusion

As Florida City reels from this shocking event, the need for safety and accountability is clearer than ever. The shooting not only left a 90-year-old man injured but also raised serious questions about gun violence in neighborhoods that should be peaceful and safe.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS. This is a developing story, and authorities are working to bring those responsible to justice.