A Miami teen has been arrested for fatally shooting 10-year-old Aaron Vu during an armed robbery Friday at Vu's father's nail salon.
Anthawn Ragan, Jr. was found hiding out at his sister's Liberty City duplex on Tuesday, his 19th birthday, thanks to information from a source who wishes to remain anonymous, according to an arrest affidavit by Miami-Dade Police.
Detectives say Ragan is one of two men seen on surveillance video bursting into Hong Kong Nails at 14832 NW 7th Avenue about 7:30 p.m. Friday, brandishing weapons and demanding cash from the register along with customers' purses.
Ragan opened fire after he and his accomplice collected cash and other items worth more than $300, according to police, striking Hai Vu in the left shoulder and his son in the left thigh. Wife Lynn Vu and other customers witnessed the shooting.
"As the defendant and co-defendant exited the business, the defendant pointed his handgun toward the interior of the business in the direction of Hai Vu and discharged two rounds," wrote an arresting officer.
An investigative source told CBS Miami that the shooting was not provoked: "When you see this [surveillance] video, it will make your blood boil."
Aaron Vu was shortly pronounced dead at Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, where Hai Vu, a former U.S. Marine, remains in serious condition. He was told on Monday that his son did not survive.
“We hope my son’s death will not be in vain, that something will come out of this in the future that will greatly reduce senseless acts of violence in our community," Hai Vu said from the hospital Tuesday afternoon. "No family should have to go through such pain and agony like what my family’s going through.”
Investigators said three witnesses to the shooting independently identified Ragan from a police lineup. His accomplice is still being sought, according to police, who said tips have poured in from the public.
"We continue to urge the community to contact Crimestoppers with any information that can lead to the whereabouts of other individuals involved in this incident," read a statement from MDPD spokesperson Det. Robin Pinkard.
Ragan was charged with the first degree murder of Aaron Vu, the attempted first degree murder of Hai Vu, four counts of armed robbery with a firearm, eight counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, grand theft, and battery on a law enforcement officer after he attempted to evade capture.
He is being held without bail on several of the charges, according to jail records.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
