Man accused of firing shots toward Miami International Airport terminal faces multiple charges

A man accused of firing four shots toward a terminal at Miami International Airport, striking a trash can and an unoccupied vehicle, now faces multiple charges after the gunfire prompted a large law enforcement response Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office identified the man as 31-year-old Francisco Ivan Mendiola. He faces one felony count of shooting or throwing a deadly missile, one misdemeanor count of unlawfully discharging a firearm in a public place and two misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, according to an arrest affidavit.

MDSO said deputies responded to the airport at approximately 4:05 p.m. following reports of shots fired. Detective Joseph Peguero Rivera described what happened as an isolated incident. Authorities later said it was not an active shooter situation and no injuries were reported. MIA officials also confirmed all passengers and employees were safe.

Arrest affidavit details shooting at MIA terminal

According to the arrest affidavit, investigators said Mendiola fired four rounds near an airport terminal. Three rounds were fired toward the occupied terminal and struck a metal trash can, while a fourth struck the windshield of an unoccupied Dodge Challenger. Investigators said numerous vehicles and pedestrians were nearby at the time and normal aircraft traffic was flying overhead.

Deputies responding to the airport found Mendiola on the second floor of the short-term parking garage, according to the affidavit. One deputy reported seeing Mendiola holding a firearm and loading a magazine into it. Several passengers were also described as frantically directing deputies toward him.

Mendiola was taken into custody while sitting on a bench in the short-term parking area. Deputies later found a firearm inside a backpack in his possession, the affidavit said. Investigators said four spent shell casings were recovered near where he was detained.

The firearm was recovered with two 16-round-capacity magazines containing 12 rounds each, according to the affidavit. Investigators said Mendiola appeared intoxicated and was acting aggressively, and they were unable to conduct a formal interview during that time because of his condition and behavior.

Large law enforcement response at MIA

The incident and law enforcement activity prompted closures and traffic changes at the airport. About two hours after the initial report of shots fired, MIA officials said the departure level and roadway lanes had fully reopened and operations were returning to normal.

Around 4:30 p.m., Chopper 4 images showed a significant law enforcement presence outside the terminal, with multiple MDSO vehicles gathered along the roadway and several deputies outside their vehicles. Video from the scene also showed Mendiola being taken into custody by MDSO deputies.

A witness who arrived shortly after the incident described seeing frightened passengers and employees and said an airport employee reported hearing multiple shots.

The investigation remains ongoing.