Family of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Employee Accused in Road-Rage Shooting Speaks Out About His Character

The family of Emilio Humberto Rodriguez, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue employee accused in a Halloween night road-rage shooting, is speaking out about his character as a devoted father and longtime public servant. Rodriguez, 54, has worked for Miami-Dade County for 18 years and currently serves as a fire safety supervisor with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Court records show he has no prior criminal history. Family members describe Rodriguez as a quiet, kind, and soft-spoken individual who has dedicated his life to helping others both professionally and personally. A relative who attended Rodriguez's daughter's Sweet 16 party just weeks before the incident stated, "He's the dad who shows up for everything — PTA meetings, school events, even dance rehearsals." His sister emphasized his commitment to family, noting that he visited their mother twice weekly and every weekend to ensure she had quality time with her grandchildren.

According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, officers responded around 7:45 p.m. on October 31 to Northwest 87th Avenue and 64th Street following reports of a shooting during an apparent road-rage dispute. Investigators say Rodriguez and another driver, identified as 27-year-old Eury Cerda, exited their vehicles after a verbal exchange. Rodriguez allegedly pulled out a gun and fired, grazing Cerda's head. Cerda was treated at a local hospital and later released, while Rodriguez was arrested on charges of attempted second-degree murder. During his bond hearing, Rodriguez's family joined via Zoom along with a lieutenant from the fire department to show support. His attorney argued that Rodriguez acted in self-defense after feeling threatened when the other man approached his car. The family maintains that Rodriguez "felt genuinely afraid for his life" in the confrontation that turned violent.

Little is publicly known about Cerda, though a Change.org petition circulating online describes him as a "deadbeat dad," a claim that has not been independently verified. For Rodriguez's family, the viral headlines have painted only part of the story. Another family member expressed concern that "people see a mugshot, but not the man who's been saving lives for 18 years." To help the family during this difficult time, Rodriguez's sister has organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist with household expenses while he is unable to work. Mariela Porcello wrote about the need for support during this "extremely difficult time" and asked for prayers for her brother's strength and resilience. The family expressed gratitude for the community's compassion and emphasized their hope that the public will remember Rodriguez's long record of service and dedication to others.