Man Arrested at MIA Airport Garage After Firing Shots; Prior LAX Arrest Cited
A 31-year-old homeless man, Francisco Mendiola, was arrested at Miami International Airport (MIA) after firing four shots inside an airport garage. Mendiola also has a prior arrest from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, September 24, 2026 —
Francisco Mendiola, a 31-year-old homeless man, was arrested at Miami International Airport (MIA) following an incident in which four shots were fired inside an airport parking garage. The specific date of the arrest was not provided. Authorities have confirmed that Mendiola has a previous arrest record, including an incident at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Details regarding the circumstances leading to the shooting in the MIA garage, the type of weapon used, or any potential injuries sustained were not immediately available. The amount of time Mendiola has been in Miami or his specific connection to the airport beyond being present was also not specified. Information surrounding the prior arrest at LAX, including the date and charges, has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
The arrest occurred within an airport garage, a location that typically experiences significant vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The implications of shots being fired in such an environment raise questions about airport security protocols and response times. Investigations into the event are ongoing. The contractor responsible for security at the MIA garage, or the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, were not identified in the available information. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Story summarized from the original created by Bridgette Matter on www.local10.com, see more information here.
